### Tensions Persist as Putin Signals Conditional Readiness for Peace Talks with Zelenskyy - Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed a willingness to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, but only during the "final phase" of negotiations, raising questions about the legitimacy of Ukraine's leadership to finalize any agreements. This statement comes amid ongoing fighting in Ukraine and accusations from Kyiv that Russia is avoiding direct peace talks [https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2025/jun/19/europe-live-news-russia-ukraine-war-ceasefire-putin-zelenskyy-latest-updates][https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/amp/putin-open-to-peace-talks-but-questions-ukraines-legitimacy-210478]. ### Structure of the Current Situation and Negotiation Dynamics 1. **Putin's Conditional Offer**: Putin has indicated he is ready to meet Zelenskyy, but only if the talks are in the "final phase" of negotiations, suggesting a lack of urgency for immediate discussions [https://www.moneycontrol.com/world/i-am-ready-to-meet-zelensky-but-putin-signals-conditional-willingness-for-peace-talks-article-13143543.html]. 2. **Legitimacy Concerns**: He has questioned the legitimacy of Ukraine's leadership, implying that any agreement signed by Zelenskyy could be deemed invalid [https://www.thestatesman.com/india/putin-says-ready-to-meet-zelensky-in-final-phase-of-peace-talks-1503447092.html]. 3. **Ongoing Conflict**: Despite the potential for talks, fighting continues in Ukraine, with both sides accusing each other of not engaging in meaningful negotiations [https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/06/19/putin-says-hes-ready-to-meet-zelenskyy-but-only-in-the-final-stage-of-negotiations]. 4. **International Context**: Putin's comments come after discussions with international leaders, including a recent conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump, where he reiterated Russia's readiness for peace talks post-June 22 [https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2025/06/15/putin-tells-trump-that-russia-ready-to-resume-peace-negotiations-with-ukraine]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Statements from Leaders**: - Putin's assertion of meeting Zelenskyy only in the "final phase" indicates a strategic delay in negotiations [https://www.globalnation.inquirer.net/281170/putin-says-he-would-only-meet-zelensky-in-final-phase-of-peace-talks]. - His questioning of Ukraine's leadership legitimacy could undermine any future agreements [https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/amp/putin-open-to-peace-talks-but-questions-ukraines-legitimacy-210478]. - **Current Situation**: - Ongoing military engagements suggest that both sides are still entrenched in conflict, complicating the peace process [https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2025/jun/19/europe-live-news-russia-ukraine-war-ceasefire-putin-zelenskyy-latest-updates]. ### Conclusion: A Complex Path to Peace 1. **Conditional Readiness**: Putin's willingness to meet Zelenskyy is contingent upon the negotiations reaching a "final phase," indicating a strategic approach rather than an immediate resolution [https://www.moneycontrol.com/world/i-am-ready-to-meet-zelensky-but-putin-signals-conditional-willingness-for-peace-talks-article-13143543.html]. 2. **Legitimacy Issues**: The questioning of Ukraine's leadership could pose significant hurdles in reaching a consensus [https://www.thestatesman.com/india/putin-says-ready-to-meet-zelensky-in-final-phase-of-peace-talks-1503447092.html]. 3. **Continued Conflict**: The ongoing fighting suggests that any potential peace talks may be fraught with challenges, as both sides remain committed to their positions [https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/06/19/putin-says-hes-ready-to-meet-zelenskyy-but-only-in-the-final-stage-of-negotiations]. 4. **International Dynamics**: The involvement of international leaders may influence the negotiation landscape, but the path to peace remains complex and uncertain [https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2025/06/15/putin-tells-trump-that-russia-ready-to-resume-peace-negotiations-with-ukraine].