The decree on the impossibility of negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin does not apply to the Ukrainian president. Therefore, dialog with the Kremlin chief is possible, Zelensky said at a press conference, RBC-Ukraine reported. 

According to Zelensky, rumors that he cannot negotiate with Russian President Vladimir Putin because of the relevant decree are “narratives of the Russian Federation.”

 The Ukrainian president explained that he signed such a decree at a time “when Ukraine received many ultimatums from Putin.”

 “It started when Mr. Medvedchuk's (Viktor Medvedchuk - ed.) people, Novinsky (Sergei Novinsky - ed.), personally... represented Putin's interests, speaking directly to me, on the phone, at the most difficult moment, when we were in a blockade, talking about how we should give up Ukraine, territories, etc., where I should run to, otherwise I will be gone, my family,” he added.

He said that it was all these people who talked to Putin and tried to represent the interests of Ukraine. And that is why he signed such a decree to prevent separatism.

Zelensky clarified that with his decree he actually confirmed what the Constitution already says - no one but the president can negotiate about Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity with the leader of Russia and other countries.

“Therefore, Putin's narrative that I have to cancel something there is a narrative exclusively of the Russian Federation. I cannot and do not forbid myself anything,” he added.

As Ukrainian media reminded, Zelensky signed a decree on the impossibility of negotiations with Putin back in October 2022.