Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak stated that Vladimir Putin had actually ignored the proposal for a ceasefire from May 12. He said this in an interview with RBC-Ukraine.
"I think this is not news to Ukrainians. We have been negotiating with the aggressor for years and we know how they can stall for time. Ukraine, above all, seeks a just and lasting peace. And we speak directly about this at all levels. That is why we constantly emphasize: Ukraine is ready for any format of negotiations," Yermak noted.
He emphasized that Ukraine has already supported the initiative of the US and European partners for a comprehensive 30-day ceasefire and expects a similar reaction from Moscow.
"Today the ball is in Moscow's court. If the Kremlin is really interested in peace, it knows what needs to be done. Ukraine is for peace, but not for its imitation," Yermak concluded.
As a reminder, on May 10, President Volodymyr Zelensky, together with the leaders of European countries, addressed an ultimatum to Russia: either the Kremlin agrees to an unconditional ceasefire from May 13, or it will receive new sanctions.
In response, Putin proposed holding direct talks with Ukraine in Turkey, without giving a clear answer to the proposal for a ceasefire.
President Zelenskyy said he would arrive in Turkey on Thursday and expects the Russian side to participate in the negotiations.
