**Russia’s President Putin Ready for Talks with Ukraine’s Zelensky**
Russian President Vladimir Putin is willing to talk to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, but he wants some things clarified first. According to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, Russia needs to consider “legal aspects related to his legitimacy.”
**Ukraine’s President Zelensky: Not Illegitimate**
Russia has said that Zelensky is not a legitimate leader because his term in office was meant to end on May 20, 2024. However, this claim is based on an old law that said elections had to be held by then. But with Russia’s invasion and martial law, it’s been impossible for Ukraine to hold new elections.
**Ukrainian Law Allows Term Extension**
Constitutional lawyers say that under Ukrainian law, Zelensky’s term can be extended in times of emergency, like war. So, Peskov says that Russia is willing to discuss the legitimacy issue with Ukraine.
**Talks Between Russia and US**
Peskov was also asked about talks between Putin and US President Donald Trump. He said that there are no plans for a meeting yet, but they may happen after today’s talks in Saudi Arabia between Russian and US officials.
