Security guarantees for Ukraine from Europe alone, without guarantees from the U.S., will not be enough, because Russian leader Vladimir <a target=_

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Vladimir Putin of being “afraid” to engage in peace talks after his Russian counterpart claimed Kyiv’s government was illegitimate and not worthy to negotiate with.

Russian President Putin argues Ukrainian leader Zelensky lacks legitimacy to sign peace deals, citing expired presidential terms and a 2022 decree banning negotiations. Zelensky counters, accusing Putin of avoiding talks to prolong the war and dismissing Russia’s claims of his illegitimacy.