Putin Signals Willingness for Direct Talks with Zelensky Amid Renewed Ceasefire Calls
Russian President Vladimir Putin has, for the first time since the early stages of the war, indicated he is open to direct talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Speaking on Russian state television Monday, Putin said Moscow "has always looked positively on peace initiatives," and expressed hope that "representatives of the Kyiv regime will feel the same way."
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Putin’s remarks reflect a readiness to engage in bilateral discussions with Ukraine, specifically focused on preventing attacks on civilian targets.
While President Zelensky has yet to respond directly to Putin’s comments, he reiterated Ukraine’s openness to dialogue that would protect civilian lives. “We are ready for any conversation that ensures the safety of our people,” he said in his nightly address.
No direct negotiations have taken place between the two countries since the initial weeks following Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022.
In remarks to Interfax, Peskov clarified that Putin's reference to talks “about not striking civilian targets” was a signal that Moscow is open to bilateral negotiations with Kyiv.
Zelensky responded by calling for a “clear answer from Moscow” regarding the cessation of strikes on civilian infrastructure. Referencing a brief ceasefire announced by Putin over Easter, the Ukrainian leader proposed an extension—specifically, a 30-day pause in long-range missile and drone strikes targeting civilian sites.
Putin said the Kremlin would consider the proposal, stating: “As for the suggestion not to target civilian infrastructure... this needs to be sorted out.”
In a rare acknowledgment, Putin admitted that a recent Russian missile strike hit a civilian facility in the northeastern city of Sumy, where 35 people were killed and over 100 injured. The attack, which struck a congress center during Palm Sunday, targeted what he claimed was an award ceremony for individuals involved in actions in Russia’s Kursk region. Following the incident, a regional official was dismissed.
"Everyone knows our Armed Forces struck a congress center—civilian? Yes. But there was an event there honoring those involved in military operations," Putin said.
Zelensky, responding late Monday, emphasized Ukraine’s position: “We continue to stand by our offer—not to strike civilian infrastructure. We await a clear response from Moscow.” He added, “The simplest and most reliable way to protect civilians is to stop missile and drone attacks. A real, lasting ceasefire must be the first step toward peace.”
Meanwhile, Russian drone strikes were reported overnight in the southern port city of Odessa. Local officials said at least three people were injured, with fires and damage to residential buildings.
Ukraine is set to take part in high-level talks in London on Wednesday with U.S. and European allies, following similar discussions in Paris last week. Zelensky said the “primary task” of the talks would be to press for an “unconditional ceasefire.”
Putin’s remarks come as both sides accuse each other of violating the short-lived Easter truce declared by Russia. Zelensky claimed that Russian forces breached the ceasefire nearly 3,000 times since Sunday, while Moscow alleged that Ukraine launched hundreds of drone and artillery attacks. These claims have not been independently verified.
The growing international push for peace also includes mounting pressure from the United States, where former President Donald Trump warned he may withdraw support for negotiations if no progress is made. “HOPEFULLY RUSSIA AND UKRAINE WILL MAKE A DEAL THIS WEEK,” Trump wrote on his platform, Truth Social, on Sunday.
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