Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed Russia's readiness for negotiations on the Ukraine conflict on Friday, but highlighted significant obstacles to resuming talks.

"We have always emphasized our willingness for negotiations on the Ukrainian issue," Putin stated. However, he pointed to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's decree banning negotiations with Russia as a major impediment. "How can negotiations be resumed now when they have been banned?" Putin questioned, stressing that under Ukraine’s current legal framework, any potential talks would lack legitimacy.

Putin remarked that as long as the ban remains in effect, initiating or successfully completing negotiations would be extremely challenging. He acknowledged the possibility of preliminary discussions but noted that substantive progress is unlikely under the existing conditions.

According to Putin, Ukrainian authorities, particularly President Zelensky, appear reluctant to lift the decree. He urged those supporting and funding Ukraine to pressure Zelensky to repeal the ban and engage in dialogue.

The Russian leader's comments come after U.S. President Donald Trump mentioned at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos that efforts to secure a peace settlement between Russia and Ukraine were "hopefully underway." Trump also suggested that Ukraine was ready to make a deal, signaling potential international interest in resolving the conflict.

While Putin reiterated Russia’s readiness for negotiations, the path to meaningful talks remains uncertain amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and legal hurdles.