Washington - Saba:
Russian Presidential Aide for International Affairs Yuri Ushakov indicated on Thursday that Russia's next steps regarding the situation in Ukraine will depend on the progress of the subsequent ceasefire.
Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a ceasefire to mark the 80th anniversary of the Victory Day. The ceasefire began at midnight on May 7-8 and will continue until midnight on May 10-11.
In response to a question on whether Kyiv's actions were affecting Moscow's willingness to engage in direct dialogue without any preliminary agreements, Ushakov added in an interview with Russia's Channel One television: "Let's wait and see how the ceasefire proceeds. Much will depend on this, including our possible further steps."
Earlier, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov explained that the goal of the ceasefire proposed by Russia during Easter, as well as the current initiative to declare a ceasefire during the holidays from May 8 to 10, is to test Kyiv's readiness to achieve a sustainable, long-term peace between Russia and Ukraine.
Peskov confirmed that the fighting will cease, but if the Kyiv regime does not respond and continues to attempt to target Russian positions or facilities, an immediate and appropriate response will be made.
For his part, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected Russia's proposal for a ceasefire during the 80th anniversary of the Victory Day, stressing Kyiv's readiness for a truce starting any day, but for a period of 30 days, not three.
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