"Checkmate for Kyiv": Putin "Unexpectedly" Agrees to Talks with Zelensky

As noted by Hindustan Times, this move by the Kremlin could be seen as a strategic play that "checkmates" Ukraine.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that the Russian president is open to negotiations with his Ukrainian counterpart, but only after the necessary expert-level consultations are conducted. The Hindustan Times article emphasizes that Vladimir Putin's statement completely changes the game's rules and puts Ukraine in a difficult position.

The author adds that U.S. President Donald Trump's "nuclear clock" is ticking, but perhaps Vladimir Putin has just flipped the script—ultimately, the Kremlin is "checkmating Ukraine."

"Trump's nuclear clock is ticking, but has Putin just changed the game? The Kremlin checkmates Ukraine," the publication quotes its analysts as saying.

This comment reflects the view that Russia, by proposing a meeting on its own terms, demonstrates confidence and control over the situation.

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