Putin indicates he is open to direct discussions with Ukraine
Vladimir Putin has hinted he’s open to direct peace talks with Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelensky, for the first time since the initial aftermath of Russia’s 2022 invasion.
Putin told Russian state TV, according to BBC News on April 22nd that Russia had “always looked positively on any peace initiatives. We hope that representatives of the Kyiv regime will feel the same way.”
A wave of Russian missiles continued to strike Ukrainian cities for many hours after Putin’s remarks. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Putin’s comments demonstrate a readiness to participate in direct talks with Ukraine regarding avoiding striking civilian targets.
A woman was killed and 20 injured after an attack on an apartment block in Zaporizhzhya on April 22nd. Seven were injured by a large drone offensive in Kharkiv.
President Zelensky said Odesa, Sumy, Donetsk and other southern regions were hit by the strikes. Ukrainian news sites also listed an assault on south-east Kherson.
President Zelensky wrote on Telegram the series of attacks were “deliberate Russian terror” which could be “stopped by a single order.” He said this this had been shown with the pause of airstrikes on Ukraine during the temporary Easter truce, which both sides accused each of breaking.
The Ukrainian leader repeated Ukraine’s proposal for an extension of the truce and again put forward his idea for a 30-day ceasefire. Putin’s comments on direct talks are perceived to be his reaction to Ukraine’s proposition.
Kyiv has frequently said Russia has intentionally targeted civilians with air and drone assaults with Zelenky asking Moscow to stop these attacks, CNN reported on April 22nd.
Putin confirmed the Russian assaults had struck civilian infrastructure in Ukraine. “That’s what we need to look into,” he said. “It’s all a subject to be thoroughly investigated. Maybe bilaterally, as a result of dialogue. We don’t rule that out.”
“So we will analyze all of this and make appropriate decisions for the future,” he said. There have been no bilateral talks between Russia and Ukraine since early 2022.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously cautioned that the US could exit attempts to finish the Ukrainian conflict within “days” if progress wasn’t made.
