Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Tuesday that Vladimir Putin was "afraid" of negotiations on ending the Ukraine war, after the Russian president ruled out direct talks with his Ukrainian counterpart.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Tuesday that talks with Ukraine were possible but not with its President Volodymyr Zelensky, whom he deemed "illegitimate".

Ukraine's fighting forces are still badly outnumbered by their Russian adversaries. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Ukrainian President issues demand to US President after Vladimir Putin states Moscow is ‘ready for negotiations’

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said his country’s allies should work towards determining a format for any upcoming peace talks with Russia and that Kyiv must be involved for successful negotiations.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Tuesday that his country could hold peace talks with Ukraine, but ruled out speaking directly with President Volodymyr Zelensky, whom he called "illegitimate".

Putin told Russian state television that negotiations with Ukraine were complicated by President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's "illegitimacy" in remaining in power beyond his mandate with no authority to sign documents.

Kharkiv Oblast governor denies Russian claims of capturing Dvorichna Italian parliament extends military support for Ukraine through 2025 SBU says it dismantled Russian spy network targeting F-16 jets Government dismisses Deputy Defense Minister Klimenkov amid procurement tensions Russian President Vladimir Putin has reiterated his claim that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is "illegitimate" and said that he has no right to sign any documents in potential peace negotiations,