Russian FM invents excuse for rejecting 30-day ceasefire with Ukraine
Photo: Sergey Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister (Getty Images)
Russia fears that during a 30-day truce with Ukraine, its Western partners will help strengthen the Armed Forces of Ukraine, states Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, according to Interfax.
The official complained that EU leaders are demanding that Russia agree to a 30-day ceasefire without any additional conditions.
"Our proposal, which President Putin (Russian President Vladimir Putin – ed.) voiced, is the start of direct negotiations without preconditions," Lavrov said.
At the same time, he tried to justify Russia’s refusal to agree to a full 30-day ceasefire with Ukraine without extra conditions.
"A ceasefire (the 30-day one proposed by Ukraine – ed.) in this situation is viewed as a preliminary condition that would be used to further support the Kyiv regime and strengthen its military capabilities," the official from the aggressor country claimed.
He also reminded that Putin had emphasized the need to ensure "objective monitoring" along the entire line of contact.
"We do not see the possibility of honest monitoring to ensure fair compliance with this ceasefire," Lavrov added.
Putin's ceasefire proposal
On April 28, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that he wants a ceasefire with Ukraine from May 8 to May 10.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the proposal a manipulation. According to him, Putin only wants to secure his parade for Victory Day, which is held on May 9.
Meanwhile, US presidential envoy to Ukraine Keith Kellogg emphasized that Putin’s idea is absurd.
