Putin stated on January 28 that he would allocate representatives for peace talks if Zelensky wishes to participate, but ruled out direct communication with the Ukrainian leader. Zelensky responded by accusing Putin of being "afraid" of negotiations and prolonging the nearly three-year conflict with "cynical tricks."
Since taking office for his second term on January 20, U.S. President Donald Trump has urged both sides to end the fighting and threatened sanctions on Russia, asserting that Ukraine is ready for negotiation talks to broker a "deal."
Putin reiterated that if Zelensky wants to negotiate, he would allocate people to participate, calling Zelensky "illegitimate" due to his expired presidential term during martial law. Putin emphasized the desire to negotiate and find a compromise that aligns with Russia's interests.
Zelensky expressed hope for "real peace" but accused Putin of thwarting efforts to end the conflict. He claimed that Putin is "afraid of negotiations" and strong leaders, doing everything possible to prolong the war. Zelensky also warned that Ukraine should not be excluded from any peace talks between Russia and the United States, accusing Putin of trying to "manipulate" Trump.
Putin claimed that the fighting would end if the West cut its support for Ukraine, stating that Ukraine would not last a month without financial and military aid. He mentioned that everything would be over in a month and a half or two if the support ceased.
On Tuesday, Russia's military reported seizing a large village in Ukraine's northeastern Kharkiv region. The Russian defense ministry stated that its forces had "liberated" the Dvorichna village, which had a population of over 3,000 before the war.
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