Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed cautious optimism regarding the potential for peace talks with Russia. However, he made it clear that Ukraine would only engage in negotiations if Russia agrees to a 30-day ceasefire commencing on Monday. This condition is a crucial step for Ukraine to ensure that any discussions are grounded in a genuine commitment to reducing hostilities.

In a related development, U.S. President Donald Trump lauded the recent diplomatic initiatives as “a potentially great day for Russia and Ukraine.” He suggested that such progress could lead to saving “hundreds of thousands of lives,” underscoring the humanitarian implications of a ceasefire amid ongoing conflict.

In a televised address from the Kremlin early Sunday, Russian President Vladimir Putin indicated a willingness to hold negotiations with Ukraine. This marks the first significant acknowledgment of talks since the conflict began with Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. “It was not Russia that broke off negotiations in 2022. It was Kyiv,” Putin stated, asserting Russia’s readiness to negotiate without preconditions. This claim has been met with skepticism in Ukraine and among international observers, who highlight Russia's aggressive military actions as a primary factor in the breakdown of earlier discussions.

Compounding this diplomatic shift, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan confirmed his willingness to host the proposed peace talks during a telephone conversation with Putin. The Turkish government, along with Russia's foreign ministry, relayed Erdoğan’s commitment to facilitating dialogue, which could play a critical role in moving forward.

Putin's remarks come at a time when the leaders of several European nations, including Germany, France, Poland, and the United Kingdom, backed by the United States, have ramped up their pressure on Russia. They issued warnings of further sanctions should Moscow fail to take concrete steps toward ending the conflict. During a collaborative visit to Kyiv on Saturday, these leaders expressed their support for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire starting Monday, a move aimed at creating a window for further negotiations and potentially stabilizing the region.