Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy clash over the legitimacy of peace negotiations. Putin argues Ukraine can legally pursue talks, but accuses Zelenskiy of illegitimacy.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Monday that the rigours of nearly three years of war did not allow for changes in mobilisation rules because if soldiers left for home en masse, Russian President Vladimir Putin "will kill us all".

Russian President Vladimir Putin suggests that peace talks with Ukraine could proceed legally but claims Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy lacks legitimacy beyond his mandate. While Ukraine maintains Zelenskiy's authority due to martial law,

U.S. President Donald Trump could fulfil his promise to end the war in Ukraine, but only if he includes Kyiv in any talks, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Saturday.Zelenskiy also said the terms of any deal that might arise under Trump were still unclear - and might not even be clear to Trump himself - because Russian President Vladimir Putin had no interest in ending the war.

Putin’s forces claim capture of strategic town as Zelensky makes demand for Trump talks to end war - Separate Mechanised Brigade confirms withdrawing strategically from some area to avoid encirclement

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy hopes Europe and the United States will be involved in any talks about ending his country's war with Russia, he told reporters on Saturday.At a joint press conference with President Maia Sandu of neighbouring Moldova,