Russian President Vladimir Putin said Monday that he is open to the possibility of a bilateral talks with Ukraine for the first time in years.
US, European and Ukrainian officials are scheduled to meet in London this week after Washington warned that efforts to end the conflict could be abandoned without any indication of progress.
Speaking to reporters, Putin said it was possible to discuss directly with Kiev about stopping strikes against private infrastructure.
“We have a positive attitude towards the ceasefire,” Putin also accused both sides of violating, referring to Russia’s decision to hold an astonishing 30-hour Easter truce.
“That’s why we’ve always said we’ll be positive about peace initiatives,” Putin said. “I hope that representatives of the Kiev government will feel the same way.”