Putin Open to Direct Talks with Ukraine as Ceasefire Violations Mount; Peace Push Gains Momentum
MOSCOW/KYIV — Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed his willingness to engage in direct negotiations with Ukraine, marking a potential shift in Moscow’s stance on peace efforts in the ongoing conflict. The statement comes amid renewed pressure from the United States for progress in ending the over three-year-long war.
Putin’s comments followed a brief, unilateral 30-hour Easter ceasefire declared by Russia, which was quickly broken by resumed hostilities on both sides. He emphasized Russia’s openness to future ceasefires and direct discussions with Kyiv, adding that any dialogue must include the topic of avoiding strikes on civilian targets.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov clarified that the president’s remarks referred specifically to potential bilateral negotiations with Ukraine, signaling a notable change from Moscow’s previous preference for multilateral talks.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced that a Ukrainian delegation will attend high-level peace talks in London on Wednesday, alongside representatives from the U.S., the U.K., and France. These talks follow a similar meeting held in Paris last week aimed at building diplomatic momentum toward a comprehensive peace deal.
Although Zelenskiy did not directly respond to Putin’s proposal for bilateral talks, he reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to a ceasefire and lasting peace. On social media platform X, he highlighted productive discussions with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and reiterated Ukraine’s desire for a “real and lasting peace.”
Earlier Monday, Zelenskiy stated that Ukraine’s military would continue to mirror Russia’s actions. “A ceasefire will be met with a ceasefire; strikes will be met with defense,” he said.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently warned that Washington could withdraw from peace negotiations if no progress is made within days. However, Trump later adopted a more hopeful tone, expressing optimism about a potential deal “this week.”
Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, Russia has maintained its demands that Ukraine surrender territories claimed by Moscow and adopt a stance of permanent neutrality—terms Ukraine rejects as unacceptable and equivalent to surrender.
Responding to Trump’s remarks, Peskov declined to comment on any timelines but affirmed that Russia remains committed to a peaceful resolution. “We continue to engage with the American side and hope for meaningful results,” he said.
While Ukraine experienced a calm Sunday with no air raid alerts, President Zelenskiy reported nearly 3,000 ceasefire violations by Russian forces, especially in the heavily contested Pokrovsk region.
As international pressure intensifies and both sides show limited signs of flexibility, the coming days could prove pivotal in determining the next phase of the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
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