Russian President Vladimir Putin attended a meeting with Qatari officials at the Grand Kremlin Palace in Moscow on April 17, 2025. Getty Images
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said he is open to direct peace talks with Ukraine. This is the first time in years that he has shown interest in one-on-one discussions with Kyiv. His comments come as pressure from the United States grows on both countries to end the war soon.
This week, officials from the US, Europe, and Ukraine plan to meet in London. The US has warned that it may stop its push for peace if no progress happens.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Putin said Russia could talk with Ukraine about stopping attacks on civilian buildings. He said, “We have a positive attitude towards a ceasefire.”
Last week, Russia announced a surprise 30-hour Easter truce. But both sides blamed each other for breaking it. Still, Putin said Russia welcomes peace talks. He added, “We hope that the representatives of the Kyiv regime will feel the same way.”
Ukraine had wanted the truce to be extended. Ukrainian leaders have often accused Russia of hitting homes and public places with bombs and drones. President Volodymyr Zelensky asked Moscow to stop these attacks.
Putin admitted that some recent Russian strikes did hit civilian spots. But he said those buildings were being used by the military. “That’s what we need to look into,” he said. “Maybe bilaterally, as a result of dialogue. We don’t rule that out.”
He said Russia would review what happened and decide what to do next.
A spokesperson for the Kremlin confirmed Putin's message. He said the president meant real talks with the Ukrainian side when he spoke about stopping attacks on civilians.
Russia and Ukraine have not held face-to-face peace talks since the early days of the war in 2022.
On Friday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US could end its efforts to solve the war soon if progress isn’t made. He said both sides need to show they want peace. Former President Trump agreed with Rubio but did not say how soon that might happen.
Trump said, “I would have to see an enthusiasm to want to end it,” and added he would “know soon.”
The US has shared a peace plan with both sides. A key part of the plan could allow Russia to keep control of Crimea, which it took in 2014. The plan also includes a ceasefire along the current battle lines.
The full plan is not final yet. The US will work with European and Ukrainian leaders this week in London to move things forward. A separate meeting is also being planned with a US envoy and Russian officials.
Moscow has delayed peace talks before. It also rejected a US plan for a 30-day ceasefire, even though Ukraine had agreed to it.
Zelensky hasn’t commented yet on the new plan. But he confirmed Ukraine will send a team to the talks in London.
In a post, Zelensky said Ukraine and its allies are ready to work hard for peace. “An unconditional ceasefire must be the first step toward peace,” he wrote.
Last month, Zelensky said he is open to peace with Moscow. But he made it clear that Ukraine won’t accept any Russian control of Ukrainian land.
Trump has not said whether the US will keep helping Ukraine if talks break down.
