Russian President Vladimir Putin has signaled his willingness to engage in peace talks with Ukraine while simultaneously ordering relentless missile attacks on Ukrainian cities, leaving many skeptical of his intentions. The Kremlin has stated that Putin is ready for negotiations, but only on his own terms, which include Ukraine ceding control of the annexed Crimean Peninsula and recognizing the independence of separatist-held territories in eastern Ukraine..
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has cautiously welcomed the prospect of talks but has emphasized that any negotiations must be based on mutual respect and Ukraine’s territorial integrity. He has also highlighted the need for a ceasefire before any meaningful dialogue can begin..
Despite the ongoing violence, there have been some indications that both sides may be cautiously exploring diplomatic options. The two sides held informal talks in Belarus in February, and Turkey has offered to host formal peace negotiations. However, significant obstacles remain, including the deep mistrust between the two nations and the starkly different visions they hold for Ukraine’s future..
Putin’s willingness to engage in talks while continuing to attack Ukraine has been met with skepticism from Western leaders. U.S. President Joe Biden has accused Putin of attempting to .
