Russia remains resistant to negotiations, as per Zelensky's assertion

In a recent development, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has questioned the legitimacy of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, citing his rule under martial law and an expired term, according to the Ukrainian constitution. This comes as Zelensky has been governing under martial law since 2019.

The Kremlin, on the other hand, has only offered excuses for not engaging in direct talks with Ukraine. President Vladimir Putin, who has been in power since 2012 due to favourable constitutional amendments regarding term limits, has shown no willingness to engage in direct negotiations with Zelensky. Moscow has maintained this stance, as stated by the Kremlin.

Zelensky, however, has accused Putin of making excuses as his "favorite sport." In his evening video address, Zelensky stated that Russia is investing in further war, not a swift end to it. The need for a swift end to the war has been emphasized worldwide, although the source of this information was not specified.

In a surprising turn of events, US President Donald Trump recently announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin should be ready to hold a leadership-level meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky "by today." If Zelensky is willing, the meeting in Moscow will take place, as stated by Putin during a press event in Beijing and revealed in the context of their Alaska summit. However, no new information about this potential meeting has been mentioned recently.

During his current visit to China, Putin is making new excuses, according to Zelensky. Lavrov's questioning of Zelensky's legitimacy and Putin's continued refusal to engage in direct talks have led Zelensky to assert that he does not see any willingness for dialogue from Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin.

The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia continues to be a source of international concern. As the world watches, the future of diplomatic relations between the two nations remains uncertain.