Putin Signals Openness to Direct Talks with Ukraine

Putin Signals Willingness for Direct Talks with Ukraine Amid Renewed Ceasefire Push

Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested he is open to direct negotiations with Ukraine, raising hopes for renewed diplomatic efforts to end the ongoing conflict that began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Speaking on Russian state television on Monday, Putin expressed a "positive attitude towards any peace initiatives" and voiced hope that Ukraine would adopt a similar stance. The comments mark a rare indication from Moscow that it may be willing to resume bilateral dialogue, which has been stalled since the early days of the war.

Following the end of a 30-hour Easter truce—marred by mutual accusations of violations—Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov elaborated on Putin’s remarks, clarifying that the president was referring to the possibility of bilateral talks with Kyiv.

“When the president said that it was possible to discuss the issue of not striking civilian targets, including bilaterally, the president had in mind negotiations and discussions with the Ukrainian side,” Peskov told Russia’s Interfax news agency.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has not issued a direct response to Putin’s offer, but in his nightly address, he said Kyiv remained “ready for any conversation” focused on stopping attacks on civilians. A day earlier, Zelenskyy proposed extending the ceasefire through a 30-day moratorium on the use of long-range drones and missiles against civilian infrastructure.

In response, Putin said Russia would “analyse everything and take the corresponding decisions,” though he questioned the feasibility of such a proposal. He accused Ukraine of using civilian sites like restaurants and universities as cover for military operations, complicating efforts to ensure the safety of non-combatants.

Zelenskyy reaffirmed Ukraine’s position on Monday, reiterating that the country stood by its offer to avoid strikes on civilian infrastructure and urged Moscow to provide a “clear answer.”

The possibility of direct talks between Russia and Ukraine comes amid growing international pressure to broker a ceasefire. Former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has recently taken an active interest in mediating the conflict, warned that he may abandon peace efforts unless concrete progress is achieved. Despite the warning, Trump maintained on Monday that a breakthrough could be imminent—possibly within the week.

Negotiators from Ukraine, the United States, the United Kingdom, and France are expected to convene in London on Wednesday for another round of talks. These follow a similar meeting in Paris last week aimed at advancing a framework for ending the war.

While diplomatic efforts continue, the situation on the ground remains volatile. Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia launched 54 drones in an overnight attack on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Russian media claimed that Russian forces had retaken the Gornal St Nicholas Belogorsky Monastery in the Kursk region, one of the last positions held by Ukrainian troops there.

With both military action and diplomatic pressure intensifying, the coming days may prove pivotal in determining whether meaningful peace negotiations can finally begin.