In a significant development, Vladimir Putin has signaled a willingness to engage in direct talks with Ukraine for the first time since the war escalated in 2022. Speaking on Russian state television, he expressed a positive view of peace initiatives, hoping Kyiv would reciprocate. Meanwhile, Russian military strikes continue unabated, including a recent attack on an apartment building in Zaporizhzhia that resulted in one fatality and numerous injuries.
Putin Expresses Willingness for Dialogue with Ukraine Amid Ongoing Strikes

Putin Expresses Willingness for Dialogue with Ukraine Amid Ongoing Strikes
Russian President Vladimir Putin indicates openness to discussions with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky while attacks in Ukraine persist, highlighting the complexities of the ongoing conflict.
As Russian artillery reportedly targeted various cities, including Kharkiv and Odesa, President Zelensky condemned the assaults as acts of "deliberate Russian terror." He underscores the possibility of halting such violence through a mutual agreement, referencing a temporary Easter truce that enforced a pause in attacks. Zelensky has proposed extending this ceasefire to an explicit 30-day halt on strikes against civilian areas, spurring discussions among international allies.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov clarified Putin's remarks aimed to facilitate negotiations around avoiding civilian-targeted strikes. Notably, Putin has acknowledged military actions that have affected civilian structures, admitting to a serious incident in Sumy that left dozens dead and injured. The ongoing conflict has prompted Ukraine to seek support from the U.S. and European nations in upcoming discussions, emphasizing the urgent need for an unconditional ceasefire.
As the situation remains fluid, the international community watches closely for any meaningful breakthroughs that could alleviate the enduring crisis between Russia and Ukraine.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov clarified Putin's remarks aimed to facilitate negotiations around avoiding civilian-targeted strikes. Notably, Putin has acknowledged military actions that have affected civilian structures, admitting to a serious incident in Sumy that left dozens dead and injured. The ongoing conflict has prompted Ukraine to seek support from the U.S. and European nations in upcoming discussions, emphasizing the urgent need for an unconditional ceasefire.
As the situation remains fluid, the international community watches closely for any meaningful breakthroughs that could alleviate the enduring crisis between Russia and Ukraine.