Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a fierce attack on Ukraine and Western leaders while defending Russia’s position on the war and the significance of Victory Day. Speaking after Russia’s May 9 celebrations, Putin accused Kyiv of turning ceasefire negotiations into a “comedy show” and emphasized that Victory Day is a sacred occasion for Russia, which lost nearly 19 million people during World War II. Putin revealed that former US President Donald Trump had supported Russia’s proposed May 8–9 ceasefire, but claimed Ukraine delayed its response before suggesting its own truce. Stressing that “Russia has never been closed to negotiations,” Putin blamed Kyiv for refusing talks and said Moscow remains open to diplomacy.
E-Paper
