Russia may reach deal with US by May 9, says Estonia's Defense Minister
Photo: Hanno Pevkur, Minister of Defense of Estonia (Getty Images)
Russia may try to conclude a comprehensive agreement with the US by May 9 because of its love for “special” dates, The Guardian reports citing the head of the Estonian Ministry of Defense Hanno Pevkur.
Considering the threat of a deal, the West should speed up the delivery of aid to Ukraine “as quickly we can,” Pevkur believes.
When asked why he expects this, he said: “I’m reading the signs... Putin has always been (keen on important] dates).” He also recalled that on February 23, Russia celebrates the Day of the Russian Army, and on February 24, 2022, they launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
“So this is why I believe that also 9 May, which is for us, the day of Europe, for Russia is the day of ending the Second World War, they will strive probably towards this to get some kind of deal, some kind of ceasefire or whatever. Will it happen, I don’t know, it’s up to Ukrainians and then of course, together with the United States who are at the moment behind the table,” he added.
Russia-US talks
In recent months, Russia and the United States have held a series of meetings in Saudi Arabia and Türkiye. During the talks, the delegations raised issues of bilateral relations, as well as the full-scale war in Ukraine. Washington, for its part, insists on ending the war as soon as possible.
According to the US State Department, the ceasefire in Ukraine remains a priority in negotiations with Russia.
Meanwhile, Axios writes that Putin and US special envoy Steve Witkoff may meet today, April 11.
