Kremlin Ready for Ukraine Talks as Trump Criticizes Putin Again

The Kremlin emphasized its "readiness" for direct peace talks with Ukraine but said it is waiting for a signal from Kyiv.

President Donald Trump had urged his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to stop attacking Ukraine, adding that he was "very disappointed" by Russia's actions.

Why It Matters

Trump is attempting to close a peace deal he is brokering to end Russia's war on Ukraine, but has threatened to walk away unless progress is made very soon.

Talks are ongoing between the U.S. and both sides of the conflict, and Trump has said a deal is close. But his rare criticisms of Putin show a growing frustration with the process.

Russia says Ukraine is blocking direct talks. But Ukraine has said it is willing to have them if Russia first agrees to a full ceasefire.

What to Know

"There were such words [from Trump]. A special military operation continues," Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday morning, reported TASS, a Russian state news agency.

"The president has repeatedly confirmed the readiness of the Russian side to start the negotiation process with Ukraine without any conditions in order to enter a peaceful channel."

Peskov also said the Kremlin was waiting for a signal "from Kyiv" that it was also ready for direct talks.

"At the very least, Kyiv should take some action in this regard. They have a legal ban on this. But so far we do not see any action," Peskov said.

Newsweek has contacted the Ukrainian president's office for comment via an email to its press office.

Trump held a face-to-face meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Vatican, where both leaders were attending the funeral of Pope Francis on Saturday.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Trump said Zelensky "told me that he needs more weapons...and we're going to see what happens".

"I want to see happens with respect to Russia, because Russia, I've been surprised and disappointed, very disappointed that they did the bombing of those places after discussions," Trump said.

Asked what he wants Putin to do, Trump replied: "Well, I want him to stop shooting, sit down, and sign a deal. And we have the confines of a deal, I believe. And I want him to sign it and be done with it and just go back to life."

Trump also made comments on social media after the meeting with Zelensky. He said that there was "no reason for Putin to be shooting missiles into civilian areas, cities and towns, over the last few days," in a post on his Truth Social platform.

"It makes me think that maybe he doesn't want to stop the war, he's just tapping me along, and has to be dealt with differently, through 'Banking' or 'Secondary Sanctions?' Too many people are dying!!!" Trump wrote.

It was the second instance of normally rare direct criticism of Putin from Trump.

Following deadly strikes on Kyiv, which killed at least 12 civilians on Palm Sunday, Trump took aim at Putin.

"I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Lets get the Peace Deal DONE!" Trump wrote on Truth Social.

What People Are Saying

Ukrainian President Zelensky posted on X after his meeting with Trump: "Good meeting. We discussed a lot one on one. Hoping for results on everything we covered. Protecting lives of our people. Full and unconditional ceasefire. Reliable and lasting peace that will prevent another war from breaking out. Very symbolic meeting that has potential to become historic, if we achieve joint results. Thank you @POTUS."

What's Next

The diplomacy continues, led by Trump's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, who met with Putin for the fourth time on Friday.

Trump has given the process a couple of weeks before his patience expires, so there is pressure on Ukraine and Russia to get around the table and show there is a clear path to peace and keep the U.S. involved.

But the key issues remain: disputes over territorial concessions and the future of Ukrainian security.