According to reports, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated his country is ready to engage in talks with Russia in any format once a ceasefire is established and fighting ceases. This announcement was made during a briefing with reporters. Zelenskyy also mentioned that a Ukrainian delegation would meet with officials from Western countries in London to discuss a full or partial ceasefire.

Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine is prepared to formally acknowledge its readiness to engage in discussions after a ceasefire, ensuring all avenues are explored. He cautioned, however, that reaching a comprehensive agreement would be a complex process, citing issues such as territory, security guarantees, and Ukraine’s potential NATO membership. Zelenskyy affirmed that Ukraine would not recognize Moscow’s claim over Crimea, as it would violate the Ukrainian constitution. Crimea was seized by Russia in 2014 and later annexed.

Zelenskyy expressed Ukraine’s willingness to collaborate with the United States to restore the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which is currently under Russian occupation. However, he noted that no formal proposal has been received from Washington regarding this matter. The talks in London, involving officials from the United States, Britain, France, Germany, and Ukraine, follow recent diplomatic efforts led by the U.S. to resolve the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Initially, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was scheduled to attend the talks, but a State Department spokesperson announced that General Keith Kellogg, Washington’s Ukraine envoy, would be attending instead.

Zelenskyy also mentioned he would welcome a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump later in the week during Pope Francis's funeral, which both leaders are expected to attend. In related news, Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly offered to halt his invasion of Ukraine along the current battle lines as a basis for peace talks with U.S. President Donald Trump, according to a Financial Times report. The report cited unnamed sources and indicated Putin made this offer during a meeting with Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy, in St. Petersburg. Sources familiar with the talks revealed that Putin suggested Russia might relinquish its claims to parts of four partially occupied Ukrainian regions that Ukraine still controls.

Since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022, Ukraine had refused direct talks with the Kremlin. This new openness comes after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to withdraw from peace negotiations if either side continued to obstruct the ceasefire process. Trump also expressed his hope for a deal between Ukraine and Russia within the week. Trump has previously promised to end the war within his first 100 days back in office, by April 30. Ukrainian officials and European allies are scheduled to meet with U.S. representatives in London to discuss a Washington-backed ceasefire plan.