Putin Open to Ukraine Talks Amid International Pressure

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed openness to direct talks with Ukraine for the first time in years, amid increasing pressure from the US to agree to a peace deal. Putin stated that discussing a ceasefire and halting strikes on civilian infrastructure could be done bilaterally with Kyiv. The US has presented a framework for a potential peace deal, which includes recognizing Russian control of Crimea and a ceasefire along the frontlines. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed willingness to agree to a peace deal but has refused to recognize occupied territories as Russian. Talks between US, European, and Ukrainian officials are set to take place in London this week.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed willingness to hold direct talks with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky, suggesting Russia is open to discussing not targeting civilian infrastructure. This comes after a tumultuous "Easter truce" that both sides accused each other of breaching. Ukraine has not directly responded but stated it is "ready for any conversation" that ensures civilian safety, and is seeking a "clear answer" from Moscow on halting attacks on civilian infrastructure. Fighting continues, with reports of drone strikes in Odessa, as Ukraine prepares for talks with US and European countries in London this week.

The US and Iran are set to hold a third round of nuclear talks in Muscat, Oman, after making "very good progress" in their second round of negotiations held in Rome with Omani intermediaries. The talks, which lasted over four hours, involved direct and indirect discussions between the two countries, with US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reportedly speaking face-to-face at one point. While details of the negotiations remain unclear, Araghchi expressed optimism, stating that a "relatively positive atmosphere" enabled progress on the principles and objectives of a possible deal, but cautioned that optimism should be tempered. Experts have warned that any new deal must be more comprehensive than the original 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), given Iran's advanced nuclear program, and that the talks need to happen quickly.

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed ending Russia's "brutal war" on Ukraine in a phone call, with Starmer reiterating the UK's support for a full ceasefire. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed openness to bilateral talks on a longer ceasefire, following Zelenskyy's call for a 30-day pause on civilian targets. Zelenskyy accused Russia of prolonging the war, citing over 2,000 violations of the Easter truce. Ukrainian officials are set to visit London for talks on ending the war on Wednesday.