The Kremlin said on Monday that Russian forces still intend to observe President Vladimir Putin's order for a three-day ceasefire in Ukraine - from May 8 to 10. However, in the event of Ukrainian attacks, Moscow will respond immediately, Reuters reported, BTA reports.
On April 28, President Putin announced a temporary ceasefire to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Soviet Union and its allies over Nazi Germany in World War II. According to the Kremlin, the 72-hour ceasefire will take effect on May 8, 9 and 10.
President Putin is scheduled to hold meetings with international leaders on Moscow's Red Square during these days, including with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has so far rejected the idea of a short-term ceasefire and said he was ready to sign only a ceasefire agreement lasting at least 30 days. According to Putin, such an agreement requires significant preparation and diplomatic efforts.
When asked how Russia would react if Kiev rejected the proposal for a three-day ceasefire, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said:
„President Putin's initiative for a temporary ceasefire during public holidays remains in effect and the relevant instructions have already been given to the military by the Supreme Commander-in-Chief. However, if the Kiev regime does not reciprocate and continues to strike our positions, an immediate response will follow.“
Peskov stressed that at the moment Kiev has not shown any readiness to accept the proposal. He also praised the actions of the Russian air defense forces, which, according to him, successfully neutralized a night strike by Ukrainian drones.
“The Kiev regime continues its attempts to attack peaceful civilian infrastructure. Fortunately, our air defense system is operating effectively“, Peskov stressed and added:
“Our military is doing a great job.“
According to the Russian Defense Ministry, a total of 105 Ukrainian drones were intercepted and destroyed over various regions of Russia last night. According to the TASS agency:
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32 drones were shot down over the Bryansk region,
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22 - above Voronezhka,
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19 - over Moskovskaya,
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10 - above Penzenska,
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9 - above Kaluzhka,
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6 - above Belgorodska,
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2 each - over Lipetsk and Samarska,
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and 1 each - over Vladimir, Kursk and Rostov regions.