MOSCOW – Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed direct bilateral talks with Ukraine, signaling openness to peace initiatives. This comes as the war in Ukraine enters its third year. Putin made his remarks after a 30-hour Easter ceasefire, which ended in renewed fighting shortly after.
Speaking to a Russian state TV reporter, Putin emphasized that Moscow remains open to peace talks. “We always have a positive attitude towards a truce,” he said. He also noted that Ukraine’s call for a 30-day ceasefire to protect civilian targets was worth “careful study.” Putin suggested the possibility of discussing this proposal bilaterally with Ukraine.
This marks the first time in years that Putin has offered direct negotiations with Kyiv. However, both sides accused each other of violating the brief truce. Ukraine dismissed the ceasefire as a propaganda move. Fighting resumed almost immediately, with each side blaming the other for breaches.
U.S. officials expressed support for extending the ceasefire. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy pushed for a 30-day ceasefire aimed at protecting civilians. Zelenskyy declared that Ukraine would match Russia’s actions. If Russia halted strikes, Ukraine would reciprocate. But if Russia attacked, Ukraine would defend itself.
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Despite Putin’s offer for talks, tensions remain high. He has not softened his position on key demands, including the cession of territories annexed by Russia. Moscow insists Ukraine must agree to permanent neutrality. Ukraine rejects this, considering it a surrender that would leave the country defenseless against future attacks.
U.S. President Donald Trump has grown frustrated with the lack of progress. He warned that Washington may abandon peace talks if no significant steps are taken within days. However, Trump remained cautiously optimistic on Sunday, suggesting that a peace deal could be struck “this week.”
Russia has not shown willingness to make concessions, despite pressure from the U.S. and Ukraine. Putin’s spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, confirmed that Putin was referring to direct talks when discussing a possible ceasefire.
As the fighting continues, airstrikes remain a major element of the conflict. Ukrainian forces reported numerous ceasefire violations, with heavy attacks and shelling near the frontline at Pokrovsk. Russia’s Ministry of Defense claimed that Ukrainian forces attacked Russian positions nearly 900 times, resulting in civilian casualties.
The U.S. has actively pursued diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and President Trump have called for progress, warning that failure to make meaningful advances could lead to a breakdown in negotiations.
Putin’s offer to talk and the international community’s call for a ceasefire represent a critical moment in the conflict. But with entrenched positions on both sides, it remains uncertain whether these efforts will lead to meaningful negotiations. The world watches closely as the war continues to shape the global geopolitical landscape.