Russian President Vladimir Putin publicly expressed willingness to discuss a ceasefire with Ukraine, marking the first time since early in the war that he has called for bilateral talks. The comments come amid ongoing attacks and rising pressure from the Trump administration for a negotiated settlement.
What did Putin say about negotiations with Ukraine?
Putin told Russian media on Monday, April 21, that Moscow remains open to peace initiatives and would consider discussions with Kyiv about halting strikes on civilian targets, according to Reuters. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov later confirmed Putin was referring to negotiations with Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reaffirmed Kyiv’s willingness to discuss stopping the violence and referred to his earlier proposal for a 30-day halt on long-range strikes targeting civilian sites. In response to Putin’s remarks, Zelenskyy said he expects a clear answer from Moscow.
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How is the US pressuring both sides?
President Donald Trump has increased pressure on Russia and Ukraine to reach a deal and previously warned he may abandon peace efforts if there’s no progress. Trump wrote on Truth Social that he hoped both sides would agree this week, claiming the U.S. could benefit economically from the resolution.
Talks involving Ukrainian, U.S. and European officials are set to continue in London. According to Russian state media, White House Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, who has met with Putin three times since February, is expected to return to Moscow this week.
Are attacks still ongoing despite ceasefire proposals?
Russian strikes continued across Ukraine on Tuesday, April 22. Explosions in Zaporizhzhia and Kharkiv killed one person and wounded more than 20 others, including children, according to local officials quoted by Reuters. Overnight attacks also hit Odesa and areas near Kyiv, damaging homes and vehicles.
These attacks followed a temporary 30-hour truce over the Easter weekend, during which both sides accused the other of violating the ceasefire. Zelenskyy argued the lull in violence showed that Russia could choose to reduce civilian casualties if it wanted to.
Have Russia and Ukraine engaged in talks recently?
The two countries have not held direct peace talks since the early weeks of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. Instead, they’ve relied on indirect negotiations, including prisoner swaps and talks on limiting infrastructure attacks. A recent exchange saw more than 500 prisoners returned.
Last summer, Russia and Ukraine were in talks — mediated by Qatar— on halting attacks on energy infrastructure. Those efforts collapsed after cross-border incursions into Russia’s Kursk region.
What are each side’s demands?
Putin has called for recognition of Russian claims to annex Ukrainian territory and for Ukraine to adopt permanent neutrality — terms Kyiv rejects. Ukraine is pushing for an unconditional ceasefire as a starting point for further negotiations.
“Ceasefire will be met with ceasefire, and Russian strikes will be met with our own in defense,” Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram.
Despite ongoing hostilities, both sides appear increasingly motivated to demonstrate openness to negotiations, driven in part by diplomatic pressure from the United States.
