Russian President Vladimir Putin said Tuesday that Moscow is open to peace talks with Ukraine but ruled out direct negotiations with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, whom he dismissed as "illegitimate" due to his term expiring under martial law.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy attends an event to mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi German Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration and extermination camp in Brzezinka, Poland,

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday said that his country could hold peace talks with Ukraine, ruling out speaking directly with President Volodymyr Zelensky, whom he described as illegitimate.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Vladimir Putin of being “afraid” after Putin refused to engage in peace talks and questioned his legitimacy.

In an interview with Russian state television, Vladimir Putin declared his willingness to negotiate peace with Ukraine. However, the Russian head of state rejected direct talks with Volodymyr Zelenskyi.

Despite the losses, Russian troops are making progress on the front, which is why Putin's negotiating position is strengthening. In his style, he tries to impose the conditions for starting talks, says Prof.