The Kremlin said on Monday that Ukraine had not responded to Russian President Vladimir Putin's numerous offers to start direct peace talks. It also remains unclear whether Kiev will respect Putin's three-day ceasefire in May, Reuters reported, BTA reports.
“President Putin has repeatedly stated that Russia is ready, without any preconditions, to start a negotiation process“, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. "We have not received a response from the Kiev regime yet," he added.
Yesterday, Putin announced that Russia would impose a three-day ceasefire in the war in Ukraine - from May 8 to 10 - to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, when celebrations are planned in the country.
For its part, Ukraine reacted with criticism, questioning why Moscow did not accept Ukraine's call for a ceasefire for at least 30 days, which would take effect immediately.
"We value people's lives, not parades," said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
According to Peskov, it was "very difficult to determine" whether Ukraine intended to join the announced ceasefire.