Putin Says He Is Willing To Speak Directly To Ukraine For The First Time Since He Invaded

Russian President Vladimir PutinVladimir Putin has said he is willing to start peace talks directly with Ukraine for the first time since he launched a full-scale invasion of the country more than three years ago.Moscow has not communicated with Kyiv since the Russian leader launched his devastating land grab in February 2022.But, speaking to state TV reporter Pavel Zarubin on Monday, Putin said: “We have always talked about this, that we have a positive attitude towards any peace initiatives. We hope that representatives of the Kyiv regime will feel the same way.”Similarly, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, told reporters: “When the president said that it was possible to discuss the issue of not striking civilian targets, including bilaterally, the president had in mind negotiations and discussions with the Ukrainian side.”Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy is yet to respond.However, he did say in his nightly video address that Kyiv is “ready for any conversation” around a ceasefire which would stop Russian strikes on civilians.UK prime minister Keir Starmer also discussed ending Russia’s “brutal war” on the phone with Zelenskyy on Monday.Putin’s supposed peace offering come after Donald Trump’s White House threatened to abandon its efforts to end the Ukraine war.Before his inauguration, the US president vowed to end the conflict within 24 hours of getting back into office.Three months later – even after pushing for the war to end on terms which are more favourable for Putin – Trump has failed to make any substantial progress with the conflict.But on Sunday, the US president said the two sides would “hopefully” strike a deal “this week”.Russia has called for Ukraine to cede all of its occupied territory – which is a fifth of Ukraine’s total land – to Russia and accept permanent neutrality.Kyiv has said doing so would be akin to surrender.The Russian president did declare a 30-hour Easter truce over the weekend, but both sides have accused their opponent breached it.Kyiv is set for further peace talks with Western allies, including the US, in London on Wednesday. Zelenskyy said these conversations are meant to “push for an unconditional ceasefire” in the war.He also said Ukrainian troops would continue to act as Russia’s army does.In a post on X, Zelenskyy said: “The nature of Ukraine’s actions will remain symmetrical: ceasefire will be met with ceasefire, and Russian strikes will be met with our own in defence. Actions always speak louder than words.”Related...Russian Children Are Being 'Indoctrinated' To Boost Support For Putin's War, Says UKVladimir Putin's 'Easter Truce' Is A Sham, Says Volodymyr Zelenskyy As Bombing Goes OnPutin Raves About Elon Musk And Says Trump's Right-Hand Man Is 'Incredible' For 1 Reason

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