There have been no direct talks between Russia and Ukraine since February 2022, when Russia began its large-scale invasion of Ukraine. Recently, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov mentioned that Russian President Vladimir Putin is open to discussing the possibility of not targeting civilian areas, suggesting that this could happen through negotiations with Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for a clear response from Moscow about stopping attacks on civilian infrastructure. His comments come amid ongoing violence, including drone strikes reported in the port city of Odessa, where local officials said three people were injured and residential buildings were damaged.
This week, Ukraine is set to engage in discussions with U.S. and European leaders in London. This follows a meeting in Paris last week, where leaders explored ways to end the ongoing conflict.
Putin’s recent proposal for talks comes after both sides accused each other of violating a temporary ceasefire, or "Easter truce," which was announced by Putin and has since expired. Zelensky stated that Russian forces had breached the ceasefire nearly 3,000 times, while Russia accused Ukraine of launching numerous drone and shell attacks. These claims have not been independently verified.
The situation is becoming increasingly tense, with both nations feeling pressure from the United States. Former President Donald Trump has warned that he might withdraw support for future peace negotiations if no progress is made. As the conflict continues, the need for dialogue and a resolution remains urgent.