Kremlin comments on ceasefire plans after Ukrainian drone strikes
The intensification of Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian territory will not affect Moscow’s plans to introduce a 72-hour Victory Day ceasefire, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said.
Last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Russian forces would suspend all offensive operations from midnight on May 7-8 to midnight on May 10-11. According to Moscow, the truce is a humanitarian gesture to mark the 80th anniversary of Soviet victory over Nazi Germany and could serve as a catalyst for “the start of direct negotiations with Kiev without preconditions.”
Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky has declined to support the ceasefire, dismissing it as a Russian ploy and an “attempt at manipulation.” Instead, Kiev has ramped up its drone strikes on Russian territory, with high-ranking Russian diplomat Rodion Miroshnik saying on Tuesday that the past week saw a record number of civilian casualties from such attacks, with 15 people being killed and 142 others injured.
Peskov assured journalists on Tuesday that Russia remains committed to the Victory Day truce despite the actions of Ukraine.
“Yes, this is an initiative by the Russian side, by President Putin. It remains in force,” he said.
By ordering more UAVs attacks on Moscow and other Russian regions, “the Kiev regime continues to demonstrate its essence, its inclination to terrorist actions,” the spokesman argued.
“Our special services, our military are taking all measures to ensure that Victory Day celebrations take place in a calm, stable and peaceful atmosphere,” he added.
Earlier in the day, Russian MP Andrey Kolesnik warned that Moscow could come up with an “asymmetrical” response to the Ukrainian drone attacks ahead of May 9. According to the lawmaker, the strikes do not have any military purpose. “We will hit them hard,” Kolesnik told News.ru website.
When asked about possible Russian retaliation, Peskov stressed that “there is nothing to comment on in this case. Our position on the ceasefire is well known. All instructions have been given, there are no new elements here.”
