Brasilia - SABA
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that President Vladimir Putin’s announcement of a truce to mark Victory Day over Nazism represents the beginning of direct negotiations with Kyiv without preconditions
During his closing speech at the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting in Brazil Lavrov said "We fully understand the nature of these ceasefire calls Once again EU and NATO leaders demand Russia agree to an unconditional ceasefire because they face defeats on the battlefield and their plans to inflict strategic defeat on Russia will never succeed—this fact is now clear to everyone"
He added, "Therefore, President Putin’s initiative marks the launch of direct negotiations without preconditions."
Lavrov stressed Western calls for a ceasefire under current conditions are merely an excuse to continue supporting Kyiv’s regime and strengthening its military capabilities
President Putin announced the truce on Monday commemorating the 80th anniversary of victory over Nazism from 8 to 11 May with combat operations suspended for humanitarian reasons
The Kremlin stated in a release, "Ukraine should follow Russia’s lead and declare a ceasefire for the 80th Victory anniversary. Should Ukraine violate the truce, Russian forces will respond decisively."