There are no concrete plans to negotiate with Ukraine on a moratorium on strikes on civilian infrastructure, Kremlin speaker Dmitriy Peskov said on 22 April.
The proposal to stop strikes on civilian infrastructure should be analysed taking into account the experience of the “Easter truce”, Peskov said, as quoted by Russian state media.
“If the Ukrainian side is willing and open, some steps should be taken to legally clear the obstacles to such contacts. President Putin has repeatedly stated his readiness to resolve the issue through negotiations,” Putin’s speaker said.
Peskov did not specify what obstacles he had in mind.
On 19 April, the Kremlin abruptly released a statement by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who announced an “Easter truce”. Ukraine and Russia subsequently exchanged accusations of its violation.
The Kremlin had already said on the evening of 20 April that Putin had not given a command to extend the “Easter truce” beyond midnight on 21 April.
Putin said on 21 April that Moscow would assess Ukraine’s proposal to stop strikes on civilian infrastructure. At the same time, he accused Ukraine of using such facilities for military purposes without citing evidence.
US President Donald Trump expressed hope that Ukraine and Russia would conclude an agreement this week.