Responding to questions from news agency RIA Novosti about the possibility of bilateral talks, Peskov stated that “if the Ukrainian side is willing,” it should make efforts to “legally clear the path for these contacts.”
He did not clarify what these obstacles entail, but the statement likely refers to a 2022 decision by Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council.
On April 21, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine’s proposal to refrain from strikes on civilian infrastructure and urged Moscow to provide a clear response.
“We are ready for any conversation on how to ensure this. A real, lasting ceasefire must be the first step toward reliable and enduring peace,” Zelenskyy said in his evening address.
Russian President Vladimir Putin responded cautiously, telling Russian media that Kyiv’s proposal would be studied.
“This needs to be sorted out; it’s a matter for careful examination, possibly bilaterally. We will analyze it and make appropriate decisions for the future,” he said.
On Sept. 30, 2022, Ukraine’s NSDC declared negotiations with Putin impossible, a decision enacted by Zelenskyy on Oct. 4 to halt “shadow” talks and curb separatism.
“There were many negotiation processes, many shadowy corridors. I quickly stopped this,” Zelenskyy said.
“I simply stopped separatism in our country. I forbade anyone, any political figures in Ukraine, to hold any negotiations with the Russian side, with Putin's supporters during the war.”