Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared a three-day ceasefire in Ukraine next month to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Soviet Union and its allies in the second world war (WWII).
In a statement on Monday, the Kremlin said the 72-hour ceasefire would run from May 8 to 10.
Russia urged Ukraine to join it as well, threatening that its armed forces would give an “adequate and effective response” if Kyiv snubbed the goodwill.
The announcement comes amid rising pressure from the United States to agree to a full ceasefire in the conflict.
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It also follows Putin’s call expressing readiness to have unconditional negotiations with Ukraine.
This is Putin’s second ceasefire order in weeks as the Russian leader had announced a 30-hour Easter truce on April 19-20, which both countries accused each other of violating.
The Kremlin reiterated that it is ready for peace talks with Kyiv but noted that “the root causes” of the crisis should be eliminated.
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Putin said the ceasefire would be on humanitarian grounds.
Earlier, Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesperson, said Russia expects Ukraine to signal readiness to resume direct talks.
‘PLAIN LIES’
Kyiv responded by dismissing the gesture as performative.
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“If Russia truly wants peace, it must cease fire immediately,” Andrii Sybiha, Ukrainian foreign minister, said.
“Why wait for May 8? If we can cease fire now from any date and for 30 days – so that it is real, and not just for a parade”, he said without confirming whether Kyiv would be ready to accept the Moscow-proposed truce.
Andriy Yermak, chief of staff to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, said “all the Russians’ statements about peace without ceasing fire are just plain lies”.
Yermak cited continuing Russian attacks as a contradiction to the Kremlin’s statements about wanting peace.
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