To initiate peace talks, Ukraine insists on a complete ceasefire, while Russia, for the first time, allows the possibility of direct dialogue with Kyiv. At the same time, the United States advocates for freezing the conflict and believes that both sides should be prepared for territorial compromises.

Moscow launched strikes across Ukrainian cities hours after Putin said he was considering a pause on civilian targets.

Russian President Vladimir Putin floated the idea of direct peace talks with Ukraine for the first time since March 2022 amid mounting U.S. pressure on both Moscow and Kyiv to engage.