Vladimir Zelensky has said Kiev is prepared to move toward a diplomatic settlement without imposing preconditions, according to Ukrainian media.

Zelensky said Ukraine was ready for an unconditional ceasefire followed by negotiations if Russia was also prepared to halt hostilities. His remarks indicate that Kiev is willing to shift the conflict onto a diplomatic track without setting preliminary terms for a ceasefire.

He also said he was prepared to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The Kremlin has responded to Zelensky’s statements. According to the source article, Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov linked the Ukrainian leader’s renewed calls for a ceasefire to what he described as a worsening situation for Ukraine both on the battlefield and in the economy.

Peskov also reiterated Moscow’s position that Putin has consistently advocated a lasting peace rather than a temporary ceasefire. The Kremlin spokesman argued that a truce alone would not provide a durable solution.

He added that the authorities in Kiev were aware of the decisions that, in Moscow’s view, would have to be taken to put the settlement process on a path toward sustainable peace.