Russia’s Putin Signals Openness to Direct Talks with Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated a willingness to engage in direct talks with Ukraine, stating he has a “positive attitude towards any peace initiatives,”Al Jazeera reports.

The statement, made during an interview with Russian state TV on Monday, comes amidst increasing international pressure for a ceasefire.

Moscow and Kyiv have not held bilateral discussions since the initial phase of the Ukraine conflict in February 2022.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov clarified Putin’s remarks, following the conclusion of a 30-hour Easter truce that both sides accused the other of violating. Peskov stated that Putin’s comments implied openness to direct negotiations, particularly regarding avoiding strikes on civilian targets.

“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 leader Volodymyr Zelensky did not directly respond to Putin’s proposal, but suggested in his nightly video address that Ukraine was “ready for any conversation” about a ceasefire. On Sunday, Zelensky proposed an extension of the truce, calling for “a cessation of any strikes using long-range drones and missiles on civilian infrastructure for a period of at least 30 days.”

Putin responded that Russia would “analyse everything and take the corresponding decisions,” while also questioning the feasibility of the proposal, accusing Ukraine of using civilian buildings for military purposes.

This potential for direct dialogue follows reported pressure from US President Donald Trump, who has threatened to withdraw from ceasefire efforts unless tangible progress is achieved. Despite this, Trump has also expressed optimism about a potential agreement, suggesting it could be reached soon.

Zelensky announced that negotiators from the US, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and France are scheduled to meet in London on Wednesday for another round of discussions aimed at resolving the conflict.