Russian Presidential Press Secretary: Special Military Operation Can End at Any Time
On May 12, Xinhua News Agency reported from Moscow (reporters Wang Zuokui and Zhao Bing) that Russian presidential press secretary Peskov stated at a press conference that as long as the Ukrainian side can make the relevant decisions, the special military operation that Russia can resume after the ceasefire arrangement can end at any time.
Peskov said that the Ukrainian side knows what kind of decision should be made. Russian President Putin welcomes the United States to continue playing a mediating role. Putin is willing to meet with Ukrainian President Zelensky.
On the same day, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported that after the ceasefire arrangement for the Victory Day of the Great Patriotic War ended, the Russian armed forces had resumed the special military operation.
On the 4th, Russia announced that in commemoration of the Victory Day of the Great Patriotic War on May 9, a ceasefire would be implemented from the 8th to the 9th, hoping that the Ukrainian side would follow suit. Zelensky then announced that the Ukrainian side decided to unilaterally cease fire starting from midnight on the 6th and demanded that the Russian side take real measures to end the war. Russian presidential assistant Ushakov stated on the evening of the 8th that the Russian side agreed to the U.S. proposal to extend the Russia-Ukraine ceasefire until May 11 and supported the U.S. proposal for the mutual exchange of 1,000 captured personnel before the 11th. Zelensky posted on social media that within the framework of negotiations mediated by the U.S., the Russian side agreed to the plan for the mutual exchange of prisoners of war with the Ukrainian side, and a ceasefire should be achieved from May 9 to 11.
Russian presidential spokesperson Peskov stated that the special military operation can end at any time if Ukraine makes the necessary decisions regarding a ceasefire. Putin expressed willingness to meet with Zelensky and welcomed U.S. mediation. Following the ceasefire for Victory Day, the Russian Armed Forces resumed military operations. Zelensky announced a unilateral ceasefire starting June 6, urging Russia to take genuine steps to end the war.
- Russian presidential spokesperson Peskov stated that the special military operation can end if Ukraine makes the right decisions.
- Putin welcomes continued U.S. mediation and is willing to meet with Ukrainian President Zelensky.
- The Russian Defense Ministry announced the resumption of military operations after a ceasefire arrangement for Victory Day.
- Zelensky announced a unilateral ceasefire starting June 6, requesting real actions from Russia to end the war.
- Russia agreed to extend the ceasefire proposal and support the exchange of 1000 prisoners of war.