Russian Foreign Ministry responds to Zelenskyy’s statement

Talks with Russia must come first—only then can a ceasefire be discussed, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova told RIA Novosti, regarding remarks by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

“Putin made it clear: negotiations with Ukraine over the root causes of the conflict—only after that can we talk about a ceasefire,” Zakharova stated.

To remind, Zelenskyy had earlier announced that Kyiv would agree to negotiations if Moscow commits to a ceasefire starting May 12.