Putin open to direct 'discussions' with Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed, for the first time in years, a willingness to hold direct bilateral talks with Ukraine, signalling potential diplomatic movement as pressure mounts from the US for both sides to reach a ceasefire deal. 

Speaking to Russian state media on Monday, Putin claimed Moscow was open to discussing the possibility of halting strikes on civilian infrastructure directly with Kyiv, referencing a short-lived “Easter truce” declared by Russia over the weekend – a move that both sides later accused the other of violating. 

“We have a positive attitude towards any peace initiatives,” Putin said. “We hope that representatives of the Kyiv regi...
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