Putin says he is open to talks with Ukraine after Russian forces launch overnight attack on Odesa

 

Russia Strikes Odesa Overnight as Putin Signals Willingness for Direct Talks With Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin has, for the first time in years, indicated openness to direct negotiations with Ukraine — a notable shift after previously insisting that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy be replaced before any dialogue could occur.

In remarks broadcast on Russian state television, Putin stated,

“We have always maintained a positive attitude towards any peace initiatives. We hope the Kyiv authorities will feel the same.”

Despite the conciliatory tone, Russian forces simultaneously carried out a large-scale drone assault on the Ukrainian port city of Odesa overnight. Local officials reported that the attack injured three people and damaged several residential buildings.

“The enemy targeted a residential area in a densely populated district of Odesa,” Mayor Hennadiy Trukhanov wrote on Telegram.

This apparent contradiction between words and actions comes just ahead of high-level talks in London, where representatives from Ukraine, the UK, France, and the US are set to meet on Wednesday to discuss a potential ceasefire deal.

Zelenskyy, reportedly under increasing pressure from Washington to explore a peace deal or risk a reduction in support, emphasized that the goal of the talks is clear.

“The primary task is to push for an unconditional ceasefire. This must be the starting point,” he said.

Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia launched 54 drones during the latest overnight assault, of which 38 were intercepted. The remaining drones reportedly failed to hit their targets, likely due to electronic countermeasures.

On the other side, Russia claimed its air defense systems shot down 10 Ukrainian drones, with five of those intercepted over the occupied Crimean Peninsula.

Meanwhile, leaks suggest the Trump administration is advocating for a peace proposal that strongly favors Russian interests. Reported elements of the plan include freezing the conflict along the current 1,000-kilometer front line, recognizing Crimea as Russian territory, and blocking Ukraine from joining NATO. There are also unconfirmed reports that the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant — under Russian control since 2022 — could be designated part of a "neutral zone."

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has voiced strong support for Ukraine's push for a full ceasefire and pledged UK and French backing, alongside a "coalition of the willing," to potentially provide a reassurance force in the event of a truce.

The United States, however, has taken a more cautious approach, pulling back from its traditional leadership role in European security.

In a post on X, Zelenskyy confirmed Ukraine's readiness to engage:

“Already this Wednesday, our representatives will be working in London. Ukraine, the United Kingdom, France, and the United States — we are prepared to move forward as constructively as we have before, aiming for an unconditional ceasefire and, ultimately, a lasting peace.”

 

Despite Putin's rhetoric, Moscow continues to hold firm on its maximalist demands, including Ukraine's recognition of territories annexed by Russia and a pledge of permanent neutrality. Kyiv maintains that such terms would amount to surrender and leave Ukraine defenseless against future aggression.

This deadlock has reportedly frustrated U.S. officials. Former President Donald Trump, who is seeking to end the war quickly, has described the conflict as an unnecessary drain on American resources.