Russian forces launched 100 assault drones throughout Ukraine in a single day, the Ukrainian authorities mentioned on Tuesday, killing a baby and wounding a number of folks simply hours after the Kremlin declared a unilateral three-day cease-fire beginning on Could 8.
The announcement on Monday that President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia had ordered the cease-fire was met swiftly with skepticism by Ukrainian officers.
“There is no such thing as a purpose to attend till Could 8,” President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine mentioned in his nightly deal with, calling the announcement “one other try at manipulation” amid the Trump administration’s push for an finish to the battle.
Mr. Zelensky famous that Ukraine had already agreed, on the urging of america, to an unconditional 30-day cease-fire — however that Russia had not. Nor did Russia conform to halt strikes on civilian targets, he added.
“Russia has persistently rejected the whole lot and continues to govern the world, making an attempt to deceive america,” mentioned Mr. Zelensky, who has accused Mr. Putin of enjoying for time in cease-fire negotiations to strengthen his hand.
If Russia actually needs a cease-fire, Mr. Zelensky added, “it should be rapid, full and unconditional — for not less than 30 days to make sure it’s safe and assured.” He additionally mentioned that “the cease-fire shouldn’t be only for a couple of days, solely to return to killing afterward.”
The Kremlin spokesman, Dmitri S. Peskov, disregarded that suggestion on Tuesday by saying that Moscow wouldn’t conform to an extended cease-fire with out hammering out extra particulars.
“Particulars matter in the event you’re speaking a few prolonged cease-fire: It might be troublesome to conform to such a prolonged cease-fire with out addressing these points,” Mr. Peskov informed Russian information companies.
Apparently looking for to counter the notion that Russia was stonewalling Mr. Trump’s peace efforts, Mr. Peskov additionally reiterated what he mentioned was Russia’s provide to carry direct talks with Ukraine.
Mr. Peskov mentioned Russia was ready to speak to Mr. Zelensky’s authorities despite the fact that it considers him an illegitimate president, as elections have been suspended in Ukraine beneath martial legislation.
“Certainly, there are authorized points associated to legitimacy,” Mr. Peskov mentioned. “However on this case, the curiosity in getting into into peace settlement processes is above all else.”
His feedback got here as Ukraine’s Air Pressure mentioned it had shot down 37 of the drones Russian forces launched in a single day. 9 drones have been downed within the Kyiv area, the native authorities mentioned, the place falling particles precipitated accidents and began a hearth at a resort.
Within the Dnipro area, a drone assault killed a 12-year-old lady. A 6-year-old lady and two adults have been additionally wounded, based on the native authorities.
The Kremlin’s announcement in regards to the momentary truce got here shortly after President Trump expressed frustration with Russia’s continued bombardment of Ukraine. After assembly with Mr. Zelensky over the weekend, Mr. Trump mentioned that he questioned whether or not Mr. Putin actually needed peace.
“Possibly he doesn’t wish to cease the battle, he’s simply tapping me alongside, and needs to be handled in another way,” Mr. Trump wrote in a social media publish.
Nataliya Vasilyeva and Anton Troianovski contributed reporting.
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