Peace Window

Good news is emerging from Moscow and Kyiv and US President Donald Trump’s new strategy of mixing diplomacy with threat seems to be paying off. For the first time since the Russian invasion of Ukraine three years ago, Russian President Vladimir Putin on 21 April announced he is open to the possibility of bilateral talks with Ukraine. This could be an outcome of the pressure from the US on both sides to agree to a quick peace deal. At the same time Putin’s climbdown from his earlier stated position setting conditions for the removal of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy before any talks for peace could be the outcome of an assurance from the US administration for a favourable deal.

- SRI AUROBINDO

US, European and Ukrainian officials are set to meet 23 April in London after Washington warned that it could abandon its efforts on ending the conflict if there were no signs of progress. Dramatically, 48 hours before the meeting Putin said it could be possible to discuss the halting of strikes against civilian infrastructure directly with Kyiv. As an evidence of his new gesture he also referred to Russia’s decision to implement a surprise 30-hour Easter truce - which both sides accused each other of violating. Putin had previously demanded Zelenskyy be replaced before any peace initiatives could be taken up. What comes as a relief is that Zelenskyy said Ukraine is prepared for any discussion to halt attacks on civilian targets. In his nightly video address he said his country was expecting a clear response from Moscow. “We are ready for any conversation about how to achieve this,” he insisted.