Putin Hints at Direct Talks with Ukraine Amidst Continued Strikes; Zelenskyy Rejects Truce as ‘Terror’

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signaled a potential willingness to engage in direct negotiations with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the first time since the commencement of the full-scale invasion in February 2022. This shift in stance came during a televised address on Monday evening, where Putin stated that Russia had “always looked positively on any peace initiatives” and expressed hope that Kyiv would share this sentiment. However, this announcement was immediately followed by a barrage of renewed Russian strikes across Ukraine, significantly undermining the perceived openness to dialogue.

The attacks included a devastating strike on an apartment block in Zaporizhzhia, resulting in one confirmed fatality – a woman – and injuries to twenty others, including four children. In Kharkiv, eastern Ukraine, authorities reported at least seven people injured during a large-scale drone attack that occurred during daylight hours. President Zelenskyy condemned the strikes as “deliberate Russian terror,” highlighting the continued targeting of civilian infrastructure, particularly in response to his proposal for a 30-day cease-to-fire on long-range drones and missiles.

Zelenskyy reiterated his call for a follow-up to the short-lived Easter truce – a 30-day period during which there were no reported airstrikes – arguing that Russia’s failure to agree would demonstrate an unwillingness to protect civilian lives. He stated, “If Russia does not agree to such a step, it will be proof that it wants to continue doing only things that destroy people’s lives and continue the war.” The Ukrainian leader also announced upcoming talks with US and European counterparts in London this week, following a previous meeting in Paris, aimed at securing an unconditional ceasefire.

The Kremlin’s response to Zelenskyy’s proposal was cautiously measured. Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov acknowledged Putin’s remarks regarding discussions on avoiding strikes against civilian targets, clarifying that the President had specifically envisioned bilateral negotiations with Ukraine. However, a rare admission from Putin revealed that Russian forces had targeted a civilian building during an attack in Sumy earlier this month, resulting in 35 fatalities and over 100 injuries – the worst Russian assault on civilians in Ukraine since the invasion began.

The incident prompted the dismissal of the Sumy region’s deputy leader following reports of a medal ceremony honoring Ukrainian soldiers held at a congress center within the city. US President Joe Biden had previously expressed hope for a breakthrough this week, but threatened to abandon peace negotiations if no progress was made. Critics have characterized Putin’s 30-hour Easter truce as a strategic maneuver intended to manage perceptions and potentially appease Donald Trump’s concerns regarding potential impatience with further negotiations. The renewed attacks underscore the ongoing instability and violent nature of the conflict, casting doubt on any immediate prospects for meaningful dialogue.