Putin Appearing to Recognize Zelensky as Ukraine‘s president: A Shift of Rhetoric
Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, seems to be shifting his position subtly. He appears to recognize Volodymyr Zelensky as Ukraine’s legitimate leader. It is a possible departure from Moscow’s efforts to question the legitimacy of the Ukrainian Government, an important element in its narrative through the entire conflict.
The Implications of This for Potential Negotiations
Since the beginning of the invasion, Russia has been trying to undermine the Ukrainian government for over three years. Russia propagated the lie that the invasion was meant to “de Nazify” Ukraine and to install a pro Russian regime friendly to Moscow.
In late January, Putin had explicitly rejected direct negotiations with Zelensky by calling him “illegitimate.” Zelensky replied at the time by stating that Putin’s remarks “confirmed his fear of negotiation, of strong leaders and that he does everything to prolong war.” The acknowledgement of this fact can be viewed as a significant turning point for rhetoric.
Zelensky is consistently recognized by many Western leaders who are strong supporters of Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. This has been a source of disagreement for the Kremlin. Putin actively pushed for the change of government in Ukraine before full-scale conflict, favoring an individual aligned to Russian interests.
Putin’s Analysis and statements: Key Takeaways
Putin said that he had spoken to Russian news journalist Pavel Zarubin and stated that Ukraine hadn’t held elections under the “pretext of martial-law” to select a leader, but noted Zelensky was Kyiv’s current head.
According to the Institute for the Study of War, an acclaimed think-tank, Putin’s remarks were interpreted as a tacit acknowledgement of Zelensky’s legitimacy. ISW stated that it could be Putin’s “first acknowledgement” that Ukrainian law forbids elections under martial law. The ISW noted that this could be “Putin’s first acknowledgment of the fact that Ukrainian law prohibits elections during martial law.”
In the Ukrainian constitution, it is explicitly prohibited to hold national elections when martial law has been declared. Since President Zelensky assumed office in 2019 – after winning a landslide victory against Petro Poroshenko – Ukraine has not held national elections. Zelensky was to finish his first term in office in 2024, but martial law took effect in February 2022 in response to a Russian invasion. Zelensky announced that new polls will be held once martial law was lifted and voters’ safety is guaranteed.
ISW also concluded that Putin’s implication of Zelensky as “Russia’s next negotiating partner” suggested a possible shift in Moscow strategy. For any official talks to succeed, they would need a partner.
Zelensky stated recently that he was willing to step aside as President if it would ensure a lasting Peace and provide robust NATO Security Guarantees for Ukraine. This shows his dedication to the national interest of Ukraine above his own.
A Kremlin release also stated that the Russian President claimed Zelensky was becoming “a toxic figure” for both the Ukrainian military and the “society as a entire.” According to a Kremlin release, Zelensky was also branded as “toxic” by the Russian President.
Zaluzhnyi’s supporters consider him a potential candidate to succeed President Zelensky. He is also known to be in disagreement with Zelensky when he was the most senior Ukrainian military officer.
Putin declared that despite the absence of a current schedule of elections, “the current head of regime has zero chance of winning.” The next Ukrainian Presidential Election is a key question.
ISW claims “Putin’s allegations that Zelensky was unpopular and detrimental to Ukraine” are an attempt to create a wedge between Ukraine’s legitimate government and its military, and to cause discord among the Ukrainian population and army.
Donald Trump has been increasingly critical of Zelensky. He called him at one time a “dictator”, who “refuses” to hold elections. The comments were widely condemned by the U.S. as well as by Ukraine’s NATO allies who viewed them negatively.
Trump claimed that Zelensky had a 4 percent approval rating in mid-February, which Putin emphasized in an interview with state media. According to a more recent survey conducted by the Kyiv Institute of Sociology between February 4th and 9th 2024, 57 percent Ukrainians trust Zelensky as acting president.
Trump was reportedly involved with backchannel talks in Saudi Arabia between the U.S., Russia and Ukraine. Ukraine had been excluded from these discussions. Senior U.S. officials, however, have insisted Kyiv won’t be excluded from the process or cut out when crafting any possible peace deal. Ukraine made it clear that they will not accept any peace deal if it was not involved in the original deal-making process.
ISW reported that, according to the Republican nominee, “Putin and Zelensky are required to negotiate, and Putin will likely change his rhetoric so as to justify to Russians his intention to continue negotiations in the future with Zelensky”, a noteworthy shift.
Expert opinions and analysis
The Institute for the Study of War The Tuesday Analysis: The Russian long-term objectives are continued by Putin’s attempt to change the language he used to call for a regime shift in Ukraine. He has been demanding this since 2021.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky As of November 2024 In wartime when so many issues are at stake, it’s irresponsible for people to bring up the subject of elections in a playful and lighthearted way. This is because of the potential instability and practical challenges of conducting elections during conflict.
Look Ahead at Potential Results
Uncertainty remains about the timeline and if Kyiv is willing to accept any terms. French President Emmanuel Macron who was in Washington last week suggested it is possible that an agreement could be reached within a few weeks.