Lavrov said that the ceasefire on May 8-11 is the beginning of direct negotiations between the Russian Federation and Ukraine

Vladimir Putin’s proposal for a three-day truce from May 8 to 11 is seen as a start for direct negotiations with Ukraine without preconditions. This was stated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Serhii Lavrov.

“Our proposal, voiced by President Putin, is the beginning of direct negotiations, without preconditions. The truce for 30 days, which Ukraine offers in this situation, is considered as a precondition.” – said the minister.

Lavrov expressed doubts about the possibility of reliable monitoring of the long-term ceasefire initiated by Ukraine.

“The ability of the Kyiv regime to carry out provocations is well known”, he added.

The head of the Russian Foreign Ministry also accused Ukraine and European countries of putting pressure on Russia to demand a cease-fire only because, according to him, Ukraine “will be defeated on the battlefield.”

We will remind that on April 28, Vladimir Putin announced a truce for the period from 00:00 on May 8 to 00:00 on May 11 on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Second World War. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine stated that Kyiv does not understand the logic of such an initiative. They emphasized that Ukraine is ready for a complete ceasefire, but for at least 30 days.