Russia: "Always Positive Toward Peace Initiatives"
Zelensky Expresses Willingness to Accept
Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed a bilateral meeting to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, there has been no direct dialogue between the two countries. President Zelensky stated that he is ready to engage in any discussions aimed at stopping attacks on civilians.
According to Reuters on April 21 (local time), President Putin said in an interview with Russian state TV that fighting had resumed after a 30-hour ceasefire, which Russia had unilaterally declared for Easter (April 20). He added that the Moscow government is open to all peace initiatives and expects the Kyiv government to be as well.
Immediately afterward, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov explained, "When the President said that 'the issue of not attacking civilian targets could be discussed bilaterally,' he was referring to direct negotiations with the Ukrainian side." This officially confirmed that President Putin has proposed a bilateral meeting between Russia and Ukraine to President Zelensky.
President Zelensky also indicated his willingness to accept. In a video address that night, he said, "Ukraine maintains the position of not attacking civilians under any circumstances. We expect a clear response from Russia and are ready for any dialogue to achieve this."
Since taking office, U.S. President Donald Trump, who has attempted to mediate an end to the Russia-Ukraine war, recently warned, "If both Russia and Ukraine fail to make further progress within a few days, the United States may completely withdraw from the peace talks."
In addition, President Putin declared that fighting had resumed after Easter and said he would make a decision after analyzing President Zelensky's proposal the previous day to "suspend drone and missile strikes on civilian facilities for 30 days."
President Zelensky pointed out, "It is necessary to clarify the issues regarding this proposal," criticizing that Ukraine is using civilian facilities for military purposes.
He unilaterally declared that the Easter ceasefire would last from 6 p.m. on April 19 to midnight on April 21, Moscow time. However, both Russia and Ukraine accused each other of not halting offensive activities during this period.
President Putin stated that during this period, Ukrainian forces committed nearly 5,000 ceasefire violations, but "overall, enemy combat activity decreased," adding, "We welcome this."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
