Putin Open To Peace Talks With Ukraine—But Not With Zelensky

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed willingness for peace talks with Ukraine but refuses to negotiate with President Zelensky. Meanwhile, US President Trump urges both nations to end the war.

Russia’s President Rejects Direct Negotiations with Ukraine’s Leader

Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that Moscow is open to peace negotiations with Ukraine but refuses to engage in direct talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky. Putin, who called Zelensky “illegitimate,” suggested alternative representatives could be involved in discussions instead.

Zelensky swiftly responded, accusing Putin of being afraid of negotiations and using manipulative tactics to prolong the nearly three-year war.

US President Trump Pushes for Ceasefire

Amid the ongoing conflict, US President Donald Trump has increased pressure on both nations to seek a resolution. Since assuming office on January 20, he has warned of stricter sanctions on Russia while insisting that Zelensky is open to negotiating a settlement.

“If Zelensky wants to take part in the negotiations, I will assign representatives to participate,” Putin declared. However, he maintained that the Ukrainian leader’s presidency is invalid, as his term technically expired under martial law conditions.

“If there is a willingness to negotiate and find a compromise, let someone else lead the talks… Naturally, we will pursue outcomes that align with our interests,” Putin added.

Zelensky, on the other hand, claimed that the Russian leader was deliberately obstructing peace efforts.

“Today, Putin once again confirmed that he is afraid of negotiations, afraid of strong leaders, and does everything possible to prolong the war,” Zelensky posted on X.

Ukraine Warns Against Exclusion from Talks

Ukraine has cautioned against any peace agreements being arranged solely between Russia and the US, warning that such an approach would allow Putin to manipulate Trump into a deal that excludes Kyiv’s interests.

‘The War Would End in Two Months’—Putin’s Bold Claim

Putin asserted that the war could be over in less than two months if Western nations ceased their financial and military support for Ukraine.

“If their funding and ammunition supplies are cut off, they won’t last a month. Everything would be over in a month and a half or two,” he told a state TV reporter.

Despite Trump’s promise of a swift ceasefire, the war has only intensified. On Wednesday, Russia claimed it had intercepted over 100 Ukrainian drones in a single night, while Kyiv reported a simultaneous Russian drone offensive.

Russian Military Gains Ground in Ukraine

On Tuesday, Russia’s defense ministry announced that its troops had captured Dvorichna, a significant village in Ukraine’s northeastern Kharkiv region. The area, which had a pre-war population of over 3,000, has changed hands multiple times since Moscow’s full-scale invasion in 2022.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian military bloggers reported that Russian forces were advancing around Chasiv Yar, a strategically important hilltop town that had housed around 12,000 residents before the conflict.

Ukraine’s forces have faced significant setbacks over the past year, struggling against Russia’s superior firepower across the extensive 1,000-kilometer (600-mile) front line.

Ukraine’s Defense Minister Fires Deputy Over Weapon Shortages

In a significant shake-up within Ukraine’s military leadership, a deputy defense minister responsible for arms procurement was dismissed on Tuesday. This came after Ukraine’s defense minister criticized him for failing to ensure the “timely supply of ammunition” to troops.

As the war drags on, both sides continue to suffer heavy losses, with little sign of immediate resolution despite growing international calls for peace.