U.S. Pressure Increasing – I am Ready for Direct Talks with Ukraine: President Vladimir Putin

U.S. Pressure Increasing – I am Ready for Direct Talks with Ukraine: President Vladimir Putin
April 22, 2025

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed his willingness to engage in direct bilateral talks with Ukraine. This is the first time he has made such a statement since the aggression in 2022. Putin hinted at this as diplomatic pressure from the United States has increased.

In a statement to Russian media on Monday, Putin said, "We are ready to discuss a ceasefire with Ukraine. Issues such as halting attacks on civilian infrastructure can also be addressed and resolved through direct talks."
He added, “We have always welcomed peace initiatives. If Ukraine shares the same mentality, a path to resolution could open up.”

Earlier, Russia had unilaterally declared a 30-hour Easter ceasefire, but both sides accused each other of violating the ceasefire. While Ukraine called for an extension of the ceasefire, Russia refused to comply.
Ukraine has accused Russia of deliberately attacking civilian infrastructure with airstrikes and drones. President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for an immediate halt to these attacks.

Meanwhile, Putin has acknowledged that some civilian facilities were hit in Russian strikes, but he claims these were being used for military purposes.

U.S. Warning
U.S. Secretary of State, Marko Rubio, warned on Friday that if no progress is made in the talks, the United States may withdraw its diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict "within a few days." Former President Donald Trump also expressed support for this stance, saying he wants to see sincerity from both sides in stopping the war.

The United States has presented a framework for compromise to both parties, which includes recognizing Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014, and proposing a permanent ceasefire on the battlefield.

As part of this dialogue, a key meeting will take place this week in London with representatives from the U.S., Ukraine, the UK, and France. Ukrainian representatives will attend the meeting, which President Zelensky has confirmed.
Zelensky said, “We want to move forward in as constructive a manner as possible. The first step towards peace is an unconditional ceasefire.” However, he clearly stated that Ukraine will not recognize any occupied territories as part of Russia. This is their "red line."

Russia has rejected multiple peace proposals in the past and has obstructed talks. However, analysts believe that in the current context—under U.S.-European pressure, the ongoing war, and civilian casualties—direct talks between Moscow and Kyiv could open a new path to a peaceful resolution.