Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated a willingness to engage in direct talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for the first time since the war escalated in 2022.
Speaking on Russian state TV, Putin expressed that Russia has always been receptive to peace initiatives, hoping that Ukraine's leadership will share the same sentiment.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov clarified that Putin's comments suggested an openness to discussions specifically about avoiding attacks on civilian targets.
While Zelensky did not directly address Putin's remarks, he emphasized Ukraine's readiness to engage in any conversation aimed at ensuring civilian safety.
No direct communication between the two leaders has occurred since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022.
Peskov further elaborated to the Interfax news agency, saying Putin’s remarks about potential bilateral talks pertain to discussions with Ukraine on halting strikes on civilian infrastructure.
In his nightly address, Zelensky called for a clear response from Moscow on whether it would agree to cease targeting civilian sites.
Meanwhile, fighting persisted overnight, with drone strikes reported in the port city of Odessa. Authorities reported three injuries from the attacks, which caused fires and damaged residential buildings.
Ukraine is set to join talks with US and European officials in London this week, following discussions in Paris last week focused on possible solutions to end the war.
Putin’s offer for direct negotiations comes after both sides accused each other of violating a 30-hour "Easter truce" that expired on Saturday.
Zelensky claimed Russian forces breached the ceasefire nearly 3,000 times, while Russia accused Ukraine of launching hundreds of drone and artillery attacks. These claims have not been independently verified by the BBC.
Pressure is mounting on both sides, with US pressure intensifying, as former President Donald Trump warned that he may "take a pass" on future peace talks if no progress is made.
Source: BBC
BDST: 1206 HRS, APR 22, 2025
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