Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for bilateral talks with Kyiv for the first time in years, marking a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. His comments came on Monday, as Russia faced increasing pressure from Washington to demonstrate a willingness to make peace. In addition to proposing dialogue, Putin also expressed openness to extending ceasefires following a brief Easter truce.
Putin’s Truce and Resumption of Hostilities
Putin had previously declared a surprise 30-hour ceasefire on Saturday, which he imposed unilaterally. However, both Russia and Ukraine accused each other of violating the truce, with Kyiv dismissing it as a mere publicity stunt. Despite the ceasefire’s end, Putin’s offer for continued peace talks signals a shift in Russia’s stance as global pressure mounts.
US and Ukraine Respond to Russia’s Peace Proposal
The United States welcomed the possibility of an extended ceasefire, with officials indicating support for any measures that could help de-escalate the conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy took this opportunity to call for a 30-day ceasefire focused on protecting civilian areas, underscoring the need for meaningful and lasting peace efforts.
US President Donald Trump has expressed a strong desire to end the three-year-long war swiftly. He has shifted US policy towards accepting Russia’s version of events, but this has yet to result in substantial concessions from Moscow. Last month, Russia rejected Trump’s proposal for a full 30-day ceasefire, which Ukraine had agreed to.
Putin’s Openness to Peace Talks
In a televised interview, Putin reiterated Moscow’s openness to peace initiatives, highlighting Russia’s positive stance toward ceasefires, especially during the Easter period. He indicated that Ukraine’s proposal for a 30-day ceasefire protecting civilians could be carefully considered, even through direct bilateral talks. Putin’s spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, confirmed that the Russian president was suggesting potential negotiations with Ukraine—a rare prospect since peace talks failed early in the war.
Zelenskiy Responds with Symmetrical Actions
Despite Putin’s willingness to engage in peace talks, President Zelenskiy ordered Ukrainian forces to continue mirroring Russia’s military actions. He emphasized that Ukraine’s approach would remain symmetrical—responding to ceasefire offers with ceasefire and Russian attacks with defensive strikes.
US Peace Talks and Possible Withdrawal
US officials, including President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have warned that Washington may pull out of peace talks if no significant progress is made within days. Trump, however, remained optimistic, suggesting that a deal could be reached soon.
Russia’s Unyielding Demands and Ukraine’s Rejection
Russia continues to hold firm on its demands, including that Ukraine cede territories Russia claims to have annexed and agree to permanent neutrality. Ukraine has categorically rejected these demands, asserting that accepting them would be tantamount to surrender and leave the nation vulnerable to further aggression.
Escalating Conflict and Ceasefire Violations
Despite the ceasefire offers, hostilities continue along the frontline. Ukraine reported nearly 3,000 violations of Russia’s ceasefire, with heavy shelling along the Pokrovsk section of the frontline. The Russian defense ministry also reported attacks by Ukrainian forces, including 444 instances of shooting at Russian positions and over 900 drone strikes, leading to civilian casualties.
The Path to Peace Remains Uncertain
As the war drags on, the possibility of peace remains uncertain. While Putin’s recent statements suggest openness to dialogue, Ukraine and its allies remain cautious, and both sides continue to accuse each other of violating ceasefires. With growing global pressure on both Russia and Ukraine to seek a resolution, the future of peace talks remains in limbo.
