Kremlin comes up with new excuse regarding negotiations: Everything depends on ceasefire

Ushakov stated that contacts between Russia and the US regarding the situation in Ukraine and other issues are ongoing "daily or every other day."

However, according to him, the course and outcome of the so-called ceasefire play a crucial role in determining Moscow’s next moves.

"Much will depend on how the ceasefire goes during the May holidays, particularly in the context of Russia’s future actions," Ushakov said.

He also claimed that Kyiv had tried to "intimidate" foreign leaders ahead of their potential visit to Moscow for the May 9 parade. However, these plans "were thwarted."

Russian ceasefires

In recent months, the United States has held separate negotiations with Ukraine and Russia in an attempt to bring the war closer to an end. Washington proposed a full ceasefire to Kyiv, and Ukraine agreed immediately, while Moscow began putting forward strict conditions.

Since then, Russia has repeatedly announced so-called ceasefires, but each time it has violated them. Most recently, Putin declared another "humanitarian ceasefire" from May 8 to 11. In response, Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine is willing to support a ceasefire only if Russia truly abides by it.

Today, Ukraine’s Deputy Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that the "parade ceasefire" initiated by Russian President Vladimir Putin turned out to be a farce, as expected.

Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the Khortytsia Operational-Strategic Grouping of Troops, Lieutenant Colonel Nazar Voloshyn, told RBC-Ukraine that Ukrainian forces have already recorded over 50 combat engagements on the front line despite Putin’s announced ceasefire. The Defense Forces are responding symmetrically to the Russian forces' actions.

During the night and early morning, Russia also intensified its airstrikes on the Sumy region.