In response to statements by Russian leader Vladimir Putin regarding the alleged “illegitimacy” of Zelensky’s presidency, he said that Putin is the only person who recognizes the current Russian “president” as legitimate, whereas in Ukraine the president is elected by the people themselves.
“The Ukrainian people are the only ones who can recognize the legitimacy of President Zelensky. The Ukrainian people have made their choice, and I am grateful to them for their support. Our people are free. Frankly, this is what we are fighting for. The legitimacy of Comrade Putin is recognized only by Comrade Putin himself. Only Putin chooses Putin. The Russians are a stage set; there is only one performer on stage.”
Putin subsequently stated that “according to preliminary estimates, the only legitimate government in Ukraine remains the parliament and the speaker of the Rada [Ukrainian parliament].”
