For the first time since the beginning of a full -scale invasion, Vladimir Putin has publicly declared readiness for bilateral negotiations with Ukraine. His words sounded against the backdrop of US ultimatum to stop supporting the peace process in the absence of progress in the near future.
According to Reuters , Putin made an unexpected initiative - he suggested discussing with the Ukrainian side, in particular, the issue of non -civilian infrastructure. Although Volodymyr Zelenskyy did not respond directly, he made it clear that Ukraine is "ready for any conversation" when it comes to a real cease ceasefire.
The Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov explained that Putin meant direct negotiations with Kiev. According to him, Russia "does not close the door to find a peaceful settlement" and even leads a dialogue from the United States.
"We are positive about any peaceful initiative. We hope that Kiev is similar to Kiev," Putin said, avoiding specifics.
Moscow's rhetoric has changed dramatically after US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio said they were ready to stop peaceful efforts if negotiations did not produce results for several days. According to Trump, "the agreement can be signed this week", and it is on it that he has high hopes.
Zelensky, despite careful rhetoric, confirmed Ukraine's participation in international negotiations with the US and EU countries. The meeting will take place on Wednesday in London. It is expected that ceasefire, a possible peacekeeping mission and security guarantees are expected to be the key topics.
Recall that the last round of direct contacts between Ukraine and the Russian Federation took place in the first weeks of a full-scale war in February-March 2022. Since then, Kyiv has repeatedly stated that he was ready for negotiations only after the full withdrawal of Russian troops and the restoration of territorial integrity.
