Russia & FSU

Putin’s ceasefire offer is ‘test’ for Ukraine – Kremlin

Russia is waiting for Kiev to commit to deescalation, spokesman Dmitry Peskov has saidPutin’s ceasefire offer is ‘test’ for Ukraine – Kremlin

Putin’s ceasefire offer is ‘test’ for Ukraine – Kremlin

© Getty Images / Yevgen Timashov

Russia’s proposed 72-hour Victory Day ceasefire is intended as a test to see if Ukraine really wants to settle the conflict, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said, adding that Moscow is waiting for actions that demonstrate Kiev’s commitment to deescalation.

On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a ceasefire from May 8 to 10 to mark the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany. Moscow has said the initiative is based on “humanitarian considerations” and that it could serve as a chance for “the start of direct negotiations with Kiev without preconditions.” Ukraine, however, has called it a Russian ploy.

Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Peskov explained that the ceasefire offer is aimed at assessing whether Ukraine is prepared to engage in serious efforts to end the conflict.

“The reaction of the Ukrainian authorities… is a test of Ukraine’s readiness for peace,” he said. “We are waiting not for ambiguous, but definitive statements, and most importantly, actions aimed at deescalating the conflict during the holidays.”

Zelensky threatens world leaders ahead of Moscow’s Victory Day celebrations

Zelensky threatens world leaders ahead of Moscow’s Victory Day celebrations

READ MORE: Zelensky threatens world leaders ahead of Moscow’s Victory Day celebrations

Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky has described Moscow’s offer as “another attempt at manipulation,” which he said is meant to ensure calm during Russia’s Victory Day parade on May 9. The event will be attended by numerous world leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic.

Zelensky instead called for an immediate 30-day ceasefire. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov suggested that he is trying to buy time for the retreating Ukrainian forces to regroup.

READ MORE:
Ukrainian MP threatens terror attack on Red Square

The Ukrainian leader also suggested that Kiev cannot guarantee the safety of foreign leaders planning to attend the celebrations in Moscow. Zelensky’s comments drew a sharp rebuke from Moscow, with Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova interpreting them as a “direct threat.”

The back-and-forth over a potential ceasefire comes as US President Donald Trump continues diplomatic efforts with both Moscow and Kiev to mediate a sustainable peace. His administration has urged the sides to engage in direct talks.

Source

Добавить комментарий

Ваш адрес email не будет опубликован. Обязательные поля помечены *

Кнопка «Наверх»

Свяжитесь с нами

Leave your phone number. We will call you back soon!
Callback request sent! We will contact you soon.
Error sending callback request! Please try again!
Write a email to us!
Email sent! We will contact you soon.
Error sending email! Please try again!