Putin suggests openness to direct talks with Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed willingness to consider direct talks with Ukraine, signaling a positive outlook towards peace initiatives. During a state television interview on Monday, Putin stated that he hoped Kyiv would share this sentiment.

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, no direct negotiations have taken place between the two sides. The U.S. has been pressuring both Moscow and Kyiv to reach a ceasefire agreement.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov clarified that Putin’s comments, made after a 30-hour Easter truce, indicated openness to discussions with Ukraine. Peskov explained that when Putin mentioned the possibility of negotiating issues such as civilian protection, it referred to potential bilateral talks.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy did not directly respond to Putin’s remarks, but in his nightly address, he emphasized Ukraine’s readiness for dialogue, particularly regarding a ceasefire to prevent civilian casualties. Zelenskyy had proposed extending the truce with a 30-day halt to strikes on civilian infrastructure using long-range drones and missiles. Putin, however, questioned the feasibility of this proposal, accusing Ukraine of using civilian buildings for military purposes.

On Monday, Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine’s commitment to the ceasefire offer and called for a definitive response from Moscow. This potential for direct negotiations arises amid mounting pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who warned that he would disengage from efforts to broker a ceasefire unless tangible progress is made.

Negotiators from the U.S., Ukraine, the U.K., and France are set to meet in London on Wednesday to continue discussions aimed at ending the war. This meeting follows a similar one held in Paris last week, where Europe laid out its red lines regarding Ukraine.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot suggested that the Easter truce may have been an attempt by Putin to ease Trump’s frustration over Russia’s lack of progress in agreeing to a ceasefire. Despite these diplomatic efforts, Russia remains focused on leveraging its military advantage, with reports of continued drone strikes and the recapture of a key monastery in the Kursk region.