Speaking to CNN on May 10, Peskov commented on the latest ceasefire proposal from Ukraine and Europe, responding that Russia needs to "think about" it, but is "resistant" to pressure.
Speaking at a press conference in Kyiv on May 10, President Volodymyr Zelensky rebuked the idea of a demilitarized zone in the war and emphasized the importance of first securing a ceasefire.
"We agreed that a full and unconditional ceasefire must begin on Monday, May 12, for at least 30 days. We jointly demand this from Russia, and we know we are supported in this by the United States," Zelensky said.
Ukrainian media outlet ZN.UA reported on May 10 that their law enforcement sources confirmed an ongoing probe by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau into suspected embezzlement, money laundering and bribery.
Iran is preparing to send Russia Fath-360 short-range ballistic missile launchers, Reuters reported on May 9, citing Western security and regional officials familiar with the matter.
"Ukraine and all allies are ready for a complete unconditional ceasefire on land, in the air, and at sea for at least 30 days, starting as early as Monday," Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha wrote.
U.S. President Donald Trump has acknowledged in private that Russia is difficult to negotiate with because they "want the whole thing," referring to Ukraine, the WSJ reported, citing sources familiar with the comments.
A notice about the airspace closure was published on the U.S. Defense Department's NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) website on May 10, as cited by Ukrainian defense news outlet Militarnyi.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov rejected the idea of a 30-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, claiming in an interview with ABC News on May 10 that it would be "an advantage" for Ukraine.
The U.S. State Department seal is displayed at the International Cybersecurity Forum 2024 in Kyiv on Feb. 7, 2024. (STR/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
The United States aims to secure "a full and comprehensive ceasefire" in Ukraine beyond a temporary Easter truce, a U.S. State Department spokesperson said on April 20 in a statement emailed to Reuters.
Russian President Vladimir Putin unilaterally declared a temporary Easter ceasefire from 6 p.m. Moscow time on April 19 until midnight on April 21. Russia has already violated the truce multiple times, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky and soldiers on Ukraine's front lines.
"We have seen President Putin's announcement of a temporary ceasefire due to Easter. We remain committed to achieving a full and comprehensive ceasefire," the U.S. State Department said in a statement emailed to Reuters.
"As we assess their seriousness in this instance, we would welcome it extending beyond Sunday."
Ukraine is ready to extend the truce to at least 30 days, Zelensky said on April 19. The president responded to Putin's declaration by inviting Russia to accept a month-long unconditional ceasefire.
"This will show Russia's true intentions, because 30 hours is enough for headlines, but not for real confidence-building measures. Thirty days can give peace a chance," he said.
Ukraine will abide by a ceasefire for as long as Russia does, but will return fire if attacked, Zelensky said.
The U.S. initially proposed a complete 30-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine in March, during talks with Kyiv and Moscow in Saudi Arabia. Ukraine accepted the proposal immediately and said it would enact a ceasefire once Russia agreed to the same terms.
Russia has persistently rejected calls for a wider ceasefire, refusing the U.S. proposal unless Ukraine takes actions to undermine its defense capabilities, including halting all foreign military aid.
U.S. President Donald Trump on April 18 threatened to withdraw from the Russia-Ukraine peace process if either side "makes it very difficult" to achieve a deal. Putin announced his 30-hour "ceasefire" the following day.
European leaders have responded skeptically to Russia's move, calling it a "media stunt" and urigng Putin to declare an unconditional ceasefire.
Abbey Fenbert is a senior news editor at the Kyiv Independent. She is a freelance writer, editor, and playwright with an MFA from Boston University. Abbey served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Ukraine from 2008-2011.
The Kyiv Independent news desk
