Moscow [Russia], April 29: On April 28, the Kremlin announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a ceasefire in the period of May 8-10, coinciding with the time when Moscow held activities to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the victory over fascism.
"The Russian side declared a ceasefire in Ukraine during the 80th anniversary of the victory over the Nazis, from midnight on May 7-8 to midnight on May 10-11. All military operations will cease to take place during this period," TASS quoted a statement from the Kremlin on President Putin's latest directive.
Russia said it expects the Kyiv regime to issue a similar order, and Moscow's military is ready to respond to any violation during the ceasefire.
Ukraine has not yet responded to Russia's announcement. President Putin also ordered a 30-hour ceasefire on Easter on April 20.
Earlier on April 28, Russia said it was ready to negotiate directly without any preconditions with Ukraine. However, Russia's recognition of ownership of five regions in Ukraine, including Crimea, is "mandatory" if the conflict is to be truly resolved.
In an interview with the April 28 issue of O Globo newspaper, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov affirmed that "we remain open to negotiations." "However, the ball is not on our side of the field. So far, Kyiv has not shown any signs of wanting to negotiate," the Russian diplomat said, adding that Moscow's position on the conflict in Ukraine has long been very clear.
In another development, TASS quoted information from the Russian Defense Ministry as saying that the country's army has taken control of the village of Kamianka in Kharkiv Oblast in Ukraine.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper