Kremlin: Russia open to Ukraine talks before Victory Day celebrations

On May 7, the Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Moscow remains open to continuing negotiations on a settlement in Ukraine, while confirming heightened security measures ahead of Russia’s Victory Day celebrations on May 9.

Peskov said US negotiators were currently focused on developments in the Middle East, particularly Iran, but expressed hope that Washington would continue supporting diplomatic efforts over Ukraine, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

“For understandable reasons, American negotiators are now concentrating on other issues,” Peskov said.

“The Iranian issue is naturally a priority for them at the moment. This is a direct process in which America is a participant, not a mediator. But we expect that goodwill efforts and support for the negotiation process will continue from Washington.”

Peskov also said Russian President Vladimir Putin was preparing for meetings with foreign leaders expected to arrive in Moscow for Victory Day commemorations marking the anniversary of the Soviet victory in the Second World War. Bilateral talks are expected to take place during the visits.

Commenting on Ukraine’s proposed ceasefire, Peskov said Moscow had not issued any formal response.

“There has been no reaction from the Russian side to this,” he said.

He added that the ceasefire announced by Russia in connection with the Victory Day holiday would remain in force on May 8 and 9.

“Yes, we are talking about the 8th and 9th of May,” Peskov said when asked about the timing of the truce.

The Kremlin spokesman also confirmed that additional security measures had been introduced for Putin following what he described as threats from Kyiv related to the Victory Day celebrations.

According to Peskov, the measures were consistent with “normal global practice” for protecting heads of state during major public events.

Meanwhile, the annual “Immortal Regiment” march, in which participants commemorate relatives who fought in the Second World War, will be held online in Russia this year.

Peskov said the event would continue in person in several other countries where there remained public interest in taking part.

“The Immortal Regiment will be held in a different format — I would say an electronic format,” he said. “It will still take place in person in a number of other countries where there is continuing interest in the Immortal Regiment.”

By Aghakazim Guliyev