'Propaganda trick': diplomat on Putin’s willingness to meet with Zelenskyy

Diplomat Roman Bezsmertnyi, Ukraine’s Ambassador to Belarus (2010–2011), said this on Espreso TV.

"Putin is a criminal and a killer who deserves the harshest punishment. Right now, he is focused only on delaying any process related to the just and lawful punishment of himself and criminals like him who are waging war against Ukraine. His claims about being willing to meet with Zelenskyy are purely propaganda," the diplomat emphasized.

According to him, under Ukrainian law, both President Zelenskyy and the Verkhovna Rada can take any actions within the powers defined by the Constitution of Ukraine. The president, parliament, government, and local authorities are all fully legitimate.

“That balding Moscow creature’s words are meant for those sitting nearby, hanging on every word without understanding Ukraine’s laws. Putin lies to drag out the negotiation process. He also lies about being ready to meet Zelenskyy. If Putin were truly ready, he would have gone to Istanbul for the first meeting. He hides, runs from answering questions, and keeps lying. He lies to treat people like fools and to sway those among them who can analyze the situation with Ukrainian law. Of course, Russian propagandists will take it at face value. So, in this case, it’s simply a propaganda trick aimed at people unfamiliar with Ukrainian law,” Bezsmertnyi concluded.

• On June 18, Russian leader Vladimir Putin said he is ready to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the final stage of negotiations.
• Putin also said Russia is ready to return another 3,000 bodies of fallen defenders to Ukraine.