As reported by RBK-Ukraine, this was stated by the head of the Kremlin in an interview with Russian propagandist Pavel Zarubin. This information comes from Kontrakty.UA.
Putin claimed that negotiations with Ukraine supposedly began at the onset of the so-called "SVO," when the Kremlin suggested that Ukraine "leave" the "LPR" and "DPR," and then there would be no hostilities. However, Putin likely forgot about the then-requirements for "demilitarization," "denazification," and Ukraine's neutral status.
"The negotiations actually started immediately after the beginning of the SVO. Initially, we told the then Ukrainian leadership: people in the 'DPR' and 'LPR' do not want to be part of Ukraine, just leave and that will be the end of it," said Putin.
According to him, in that case, Russia supposedly would not have invaded Ukrainian territory, while he believes that it was Kyiv that decided to go to war.
Additionally, Putin stated that the powers of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have supposedly already expired. Therefore, Zelensky allegedly does not have the right to conclude a peace agreement due to his so-called illegitimacy.
"We need lawyers to confirm the legitimacy of those individuals who will be authorized by the Ukrainian state to sign these agreements," the Kremlin leader stated.
Putin believes that when Zelensky signed the decree banning negotiations with Russia, he was still legitimate, and therefore this decree, in his opinion, will need to be annulled before negotiations.
The dictator is convinced that Ukraine will not be able to continue fighting if the West stops its support. He claims that the key factor in the continuation of hostilities is the financial backing of Kyiv and the supply of ammunition.
"I think that... if the money and, broadly speaking, the ammunition stop, everything will end in about a month and a half to two. In this sense, Ukraine's sovereignty is almost zero," said Putin.
Negotiations with Russia
Recall that U.S. President Donald Trump harshly addressed Putin with a call to come to the negotiating table to end the war against Ukraine. Trump stated that otherwise he would take tough measures to force Moscow to do so.
In response, Putin complained that Kyiv allegedly has a ban on negotiations with Russia.