Putin Rejects EU Leaders’ Ceasefire Deadline, Offers Direct Talks with Ukraine

Report by Safarti Tarjuman International Desk

Russian President Vladimir Putin has turned down a ceasefire deadline set by key European powers, while extending an offer for direct negotiations with Ukraine amid escalating tensions in the war.

In a joint ultimatum earlier this week, leaders of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Poland called on Putin to agree to an immediate and unconditional 30-day ceasefire. They warned that failure to comply by Monday would result in increased sanctions and a significant boost in military support for Ukraine.

Putin responded by rejecting the ceasefire terms, labeling them one-sided and imposed under pressure. However, the Kremlin indicated that the Russian leader is prepared to hold face-to-face negotiations with Ukrainian counterparts in the coming days.

“President Putin is ready to engage in meaningful dialogue with Kyiv without external interference,” stated Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov late Saturday.

Western leaders, meanwhile, remained united in their stance. UK Prime Minister David Lammy emphasized that any refusal by Moscow to halt its aggression would be met with coordinated punitive measures. “Russia’s choice is clear: de-escalate or face the consequences,” Lammy said during a press briefing.

Ukraine has not officially responded to Putin’s proposal for direct talks. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has consistently maintained that peace discussions must include a full Russian withdrawal from Ukrainian territory.

Fighting continued over the weekend, with Ukrainian defense forces reporting heavy clashes in Donetsk and near Kharkiv. Ukrainian officials have raised concerns that Putin’s negotiation offer may be a stalling tactic aimed at weakening international resolve.

European Union diplomats are scheduled to convene in Brussels on Monday to finalize additional sanctions and review new arms support packages.