Ukraine Ignoring Putin’s Offer for Peace Talks, Ceasefire Participation Unclear

The Kremlin stated on Tuesday that Ukraine has yet to respond to multiple offers from Russian President Vladimir Putin to begin direct peace negotiations. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters, “President Putin has repeatedly expressed readiness to start talks without preconditions, but there has been no response from the Kyiv regime so far.”

Putin announced a three-day ceasefire from May 8 to 10, coinciding with Russia’s planned celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of its World War II victory over Nazi Germany.

Ukraine, however, questioned Moscow’s intentions, criticizing the short duration of the proposed ceasefire. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded, “We value people’s lives, not parades,” and reiterated Ukraine’s call for a 30-day ceasefire starting immediately.

Peskov said it remains uncertain whether Ukraine will agree to join the three-day ceasefire, calling the situation “very difficult to understand.”