Zelensky signed a decree excluding the possibility of negotiations with Putin, but not with Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree today that formally declares any negotiations with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin as "impossible", but leaves the door open for negotiations with Russia.
The decree formalized comments Zelensky made on Friday after the Russian president declared four occupied regions of Ukraine part of Russia, which Kyiv and the West called an illegitimate farce.
"He (Putin) does not know what dignity and honesty are. Therefore, we are ready for a dialogue with Russia, but with another Russian president", said Zelensky on Friday.
Ukrainian forces have broken through Russian defenses in the country's south and extended a rapid offensive to the east, seizing territory in areas annexed by Russia, which invaded Ukraine in February.