Putin Open to Talks with Ukraine for Peace and Ceasefire

Photo : AP

Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed direct peace talks with Ukraine for the first time in over a year, following the end of a brief Easter ceasefire. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in his evening video address, stated that Ukraine was open to any discussions aimed at halting attacks on civilians. While Zelenskyy did not directly respond to Putin's proposal, he expressed readiness for dialogue focused on reaching a ceasefire and reducing civilian harm.

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The peace talks are becoming more urgent as both leaders face pressure from the United States, which has warned that it might pull back from peace efforts if there is no substantial progress in the coming days.

Over the weekend, Russia declared a 30-hour truce for Easter, but both Ukraine and Russia accused each other of violating the ceasefire. Despite this, both nations have shown openness to additional ceasefire agreements. Zelenskyy mentioned that Ukraine would participate in further discussions with the United States and European countries in London on Wednesday. These discussions would follow up on last week's meeting in Paris, where the US and European nations explored ways to end the ongoing conflict, which has now lasted more than three years.

Putin, speaking to Russian state television, acknowledged that fighting had resumed after the Easter ceasefire, which Moscow had unilaterally declared. He also emphasized Russia's openness to any peace initiatives and expressed hope that Ukraine would share the same sentiment. In a later statement, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov clarified that when Putin mentioned discussing halting attacks on civilian targets, he was referring to possible negotiations with Ukraine.

The two leaders have not held direct talks since the early days of Russia's invasion in February 2022. Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine's stance, stating that the country still proposed an end to attacks on civilian targets and was willing to discuss the terms of such a ceasefire. He also clarified that Ukraine would not stop responding to Russian attacks until a genuine ceasefire was in place. Ukraine insists on a 30-day ceasefire as a first step, followed by efforts to achieve a long-term, unconditional peace agreement.

In the meantime, Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine’s military actions would mirror those of Russia, meaning any ceasefire by Russia would be met with a ceasefire by Ukraine. However, if Russia continues to launch strikes, Ukraine would retaliate in defense.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio both recently expressed that the US would withdraw from peace talks if no progress is made soon. Trump, however, sounded hopeful on Sunday that an agreement could be reached within the week.

Russia’s key demands for peace include Ukraine agreeing to give up territories that Russia claims to have annexed and accepting permanent neutrality. Ukraine, however, sees this as an ultimatum and has firmly rejected the idea, arguing that it would leave the country vulnerable to future Russian aggression.

Despite the growing tensions and differences, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated that President Putin remains committed to finding a peaceful solution. The Russian side continues to work with the US, hopeful that talks will lead to positive results.

The international community is watching closely as these talks unfold, with many hoping that a ceasefire agreement will finally bring an end to the ongoing violence and the suffering of millions caught in the conflict.