Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi signed a decree on Tuesday officially declaring the prospect of any talks between Kyiv and Kremlin leader Volodymyr Putin “impossible” but leaving the door open for talks with Russia, Reuters and Agerpres reported.

Volodymyr ZelenskyiPhoto: Presidency of Ukraine / Zuma Press / Profimedia

The decree formally enshrines comments made by Zelenskyi on Friday after the Russian president declared four occupied Ukrainian regions part of Russia, which Kiev and the West said was an illegitimate farce.

“He (Putin) does not know what dignity and honesty are. Therefore, we are ready to hold a dialogue with Russia, but with another president of Russia,” Zelenskyi said on Friday at a meeting of the Security Council of Ukraine, which he convened a day ago.

Ukrainian troops broke through Russian defenses in southern Ukraine and continued their rapid offensive in the east, retaking territory in areas annexed by Russia after the February invasion.

Putin, who turns 70 this week, has dominated Russia’s political life for more than two decades and can run for two more terms under constitutional reforms under his presidency, potentially remaining in power until 2036.

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