Vladimir Putin has proposed direct peace talks with wartime leader Volodymyr Zelensky for the first time in years. His proposal comes after previously saying he would only engage in peace negotiations if the democratically elected Ukrainian leader was replaced. The remarks comes as the UK prepares to host the US, France and Ukraine in London for security talks tomorrow, on April 23.
“We have a positive attitude towards any peace initiatives,” Putin said. “We hope that representatives of the Kyiv regime will feel the same way.” His comments came after a surprise “Easter truce” came to an end, with both sides claiming the other had violated the terms.
The leader in Moscow conceded recent Russian strikes had hit civilian infrastructure, killing several people, before making baseless claims that the targets were being used for military purposes. “That’s what we need to look into… maybe bilaterally,” he said.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov later confirmed that the Russian leader was referring to future negotiations with Ukraine, saying: “The president had in mind negotiations and discussions with the Ukrainian side.”
Volodymyr Zelensky said on April 21 that Ukraine is ready to negotiate a permanent ceasefire: “Ukraine stands by its offer — at the very least, not to strike civilian infrastructure. And we expect a clear answer from Moscow. We are ready for any conversation on how to ensure this. There is an obvious, simplest, and most reliable way: stop missile and long-range drone attacks. That alone would automatically ensure the safety of all civilian infrastructure.
“A ceasefire — real and lasting — must be the first step toward a secure and enduring peace. Ukrainian representatives — both at the meetings held in Paris and at the meetings scheduled this week in London — will have a primary task regarding an unconditional ceasefire. That must be the starting point. Peace begins in silence.”
The remarks from the Kremlin came as Ukrainian representatives are set to join US and French counterparts in London to discuss the long-term security of the war-torn country. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said he will reveal a peace plan later this week.
“I will be giving you a full detail over the next three days,” Mr Trump told reporters. “But we had very good meetings on Ukraine, Russia … We’ll see how that works.”
