Russia Offers Ukraine Talks ‘Without Preconditions’ After Trump Criticism
In a key development, Russia expressed readiness to resume peace talks with Ukraine without preconditions, following Donald Trump’s sharp criticism of Vladimir Putin’s intentions.
Russia is prepared to engage in peace negotiations with Ukraine “without preconditions,” President Vladimir Putin told US envoy Steve Witkoff during a meeting on Friday, the Kremlin announced on Saturday. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed Putin’s stance, noting that Moscow had conveyed a similar offer multiple times in the past.
“During yesterday’s discussions with Trump’s envoy Witkoff, Vladimir Putin reiterated that Russia is ready to resume negotiations with Ukraine without any preconditions,” Peskov stated.
The Kremlin’s announcement came shortly after former US President Donald Trump condemned recent Russian attacks on civilian areas in Ukraine. Posting on Truth Social, Trump accused Putin of prolonging the conflict, suggesting that tougher measures, like “Banking” or “Secondary Sanctions,” might be necessary.
“There was no reason for Putin to be shooting missiles into civilian areas, cities and towns, over the last few days,” Trump wrote. “It makes me think that maybe he doesn’t want to stop the war.”
Trump’s comments followed his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Rome, where the two leaders discussed the war and the possibility of an unconditional ceasefire.
The meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy, held on the sidelines of Pope Francis’s funeral at the Vatican, was described as both “symbolic” and potentially “historic” by Zelenskyy.
“We discussed a lot one on one. Hoping for results on everything we covered. Protecting lives of our people. Full and unconditional ceasefire. Reliable and lasting peace that will prevent another war from breaking out,” Zelenskyy wrote on X.
The Ukrainian presidency also released images showing the two leaders engaged in serious conversation before the funeral began. An aide to Zelenskyy termed the meeting “constructive,” while the White House hailed it as a “very productive discussion.”
The latest developments come amid mounting international pressure for an end to the Ukraine conflict, now dragging into its third year. Russia’s readiness for talks without preconditions could mark a critical juncture, although previous diplomatic efforts have repeatedly faltered.
Trump’s comments highlight growing impatience in Washington and Europe over Russia’s continued military strikes on Ukrainian civilians, raising concerns over Putin’s sincerity regarding peace.
While Russia’s willingness for unconditional talks could open new diplomatic channels, skepticism remains high given past breakdowns in negotiations. Ukraine has yet to formally respond to Putin’s latest offer.
Global observers are closely monitoring whether this fresh opening could pave the way for a ceasefire agreement or if it will lead to another round of stalled diplomacy.
