Putin's demand: Kyiv leadership change pivotal for talks
Vladimir Putin declared that a change of power in Ukraine is a prerequisite for negotiations with Russia. Thus, the President of Russia once again undermined the legitimacy of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's authority and signalled that the Kremlin, contrary to assurances, does not intend to engage in peace talks.
Many reports from Russian media or government representatives are elements of propaganda. Such reports are part of the information war conducted by the Russian Federation.
On 16 December at 2 PM GMT, Putin presented a misleading statement claiming that the Ukrainian constitution only allows for the extension of the Verkhovna Rada's term, but not the president's, even under martial law conditions. He asserted that Ukraine supposedly violates constitutional norms by extending Volodymyr Zelensky's term.
As noted by ISW, Ukrainian law regulates the electoral process during martial law, which has been in effect since February 2022. Under such conditions, conducting presidential, parliamentary, or local elections is impossible. Consequently, the decision to suspend the 2024 elections is lawful and in accordance with constitutional norms.
Will manipulation bury the peace negotiations?
Putin returned to the narrative of illegal authorities in Ukraine and stated that a change of government in Kyiv is a condition for any peace talks.
According to ISW, the Kremlin is not interested in fair talks and seeks maximum concessions from Ukraine, including attempts to remove the legitimate government.
"Russia has constructed a narrative around the concept of negotiations that it is using in an effort to encourage the West to make concessions on Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity," emphasised ISW.
