Russian President Vladimir Putin has shown that he is opening bilateral talks with Ukrainian leader Voldimi Zelensky for the first time since the early stages of the war.
Speaking to Russian state television on Monday, President Putin said Russia was “always looking at peace initiative positively. I hope that representatives of the Kiev government will feel the same way.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Putin’s comments showed his willingness to meet in person with Ukraine about not attacking civilian targets.
Zelensky did not respond directly to Putin’s comments, but said Ukraine was “prepared for conversation” to ensure the safety of civilians.
There have been no direct talks between the two sides since February 2022, when Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
In a comment to Interfax News Agency, Peskov said: “When the president said it was possible to discuss the issue of not surprise civilian targets, including bilateral, the president had negotiated and debate with the Ukrainian side.”
In its nightly video address, Zelensky said there was a need for a “clear answer from Moscow” on whether Ukraine would agree to halt attacks on civilian infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the battle continued overnight with reports of a drone strike in the port city of Odessa.
Local governments said three people were injured in the attack, causing a fire, causing damage to the residential building.
Ukraine is scheduled to take part in consultations with the US and European countries in London this week following last week’s conference in Paris.
Putin’s proposal for an in-person meeting came after both sides accused each other of violating the 30-hour “Easter Armistice” announced by Putin on Saturday.
Zelensky said Russian troops had violated nearly 3,000 ceasefires since the beginning of Sunday, but Russia accused Ukraine of firing hundreds of drones and shells. The BBC does not independently test these claims.
Both sides face increasing pressure from the US, who threatened to “take a pass” in further peace talks if Donald Trump didn’t make any progress.
