Russian President Vladimir Putin insisted on Thursday at the annual end-of-the-year conference that no preconditions exist for Moscow to enter into peace negotiations with Ukraine.
Nonetheless, he underlined that these talks need to be held on the basis of Istanbul agreements made at the end of 2022 and on the reality on the front.
He mentioned that Russia is ready to hold discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky if he is elected, adding that a potential deal can only be signed with "legitimate authorities," meaning the Ukrainian parliament.
