The Kremlin is not interested in fair negotiations and is seeking maximum concessions from Ukraine, analysts said.
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has said that a change in Ukrainian authorities is allegedly a prerequisite for negotiations with Russia. He is also distorting Ukrainian law and questioning the legitimacy of Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reports.
On December 16, Putin expressed the false thesis that the Constitution of Ukraine only allows the extension of the powers of the Verkhovna Rada, but not the president, even under martial law. He said Ukraine had “violated constitutional norms” by expanding Vladimir Zelensky’s powers.
ISW notes that in fact, Ukrainian law clearly regulates the electoral process during martial law, which was introduced in February 2022. In these conditions, holding presidential, parliamentary or local elections is impossible. Accordingly, the decision to suspend the 2024 elections is legal and in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.
The Kremlin actively uses distortions of Ukrainian laws to delegitimize the Ukrainian government. Putin revived this ideology, unheard of since the summer of 2024, to emphasize the need for a change of power in Kyiv as a condition for any negotiations with Russia. The Kremlin is not interested in fair negotiations and is seeking maximum concessions from Ukraine, especially by removing the legitimate government, analysts say.
As you know, on December 1, Putin approved Russia’s record military spending for 2025 – 13.49 trillion rubles, which is almost four times higher than in pre-war 2021. Including costs for agencies law enforcement, the cost will reach 40% of the federal budget. Moreover, almost every third ruble in the treasury will be spent on classified items.
Putin made a surprise announcement about war spending
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Source: korrespondent
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.