Putin and Zelensky indicate openness to talks amid Trump's promise to end war

The leaders of Ukraine and Russia have signaled a shift in their previous stance against direct negotiations, as former US President Donald Trump vows to bring an end to Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

In an interview with Piers Morgan on Tuesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his willingness to engage in dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin, provided that Ukraine’s international allies, including the US and the European Union, are part of the discussions. This aligns with Zelensky’s recent remarks to Bloomberg News, where he emphasised the necessity of involving Ukraine’s partners in any potential negotiations.

While Zelensky has consistently ruled out direct talks with Putin, the evolving military and political landscape - marked by Russia’s continued advances in eastern Ukraine and the possibility of Trump’s return to the White House - has added urgency to efforts aimed at ending the conflict, which has now entered its third year.

“If this is the only way to bring peace to Ukrainian citizens, then we will consider it,” Zelensky said when asked about sitting across from Putin. However, he maintained a firm stance against the Russian leader, adding, “Even one conversation with this murderer is already a compromise.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously dismissed the idea of negotiations with Zelensky, labeling him an illegitimate leader. Zelensky’s term officially ended last May, but Ukraine remains under martial law, which prevents new presidential elections from taking place.

Despite this, the Kremlin appears to have softened its stance. On Wednesday, Putin’s spokesperson Dmitry Peskov acknowledged the challenges posed by Zelensky’s legitimacy but stated that “the Russian side remains open to negotiations.”