MOSCOW

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Saturday that he is unaware of any upcoming visit by US Secretary of State Mark Rubio to Moscow on May 9, as reported by some US media.

Responding to US media reports that Rubio would attend Victory Day celebrations in Moscow commemorating Nazi Germany's defeat in 1945, Peskov said unequivocally: "I have no information regarding Mr. Rubio's visit to Moscow on May 9."

Peskov alleged that the American media frequently disseminates contradictory narratives, causing confusion, but in this case, he emphasized that he simply lacks confirmation of such a visit.

When asked how Russia sees the UK's role as a mediator in the Ukrainian conflict, Peskov said London took a unilateral stance, making it incapable for Moscow to accept its role as a neutral party.

"London has never actively sought the position of intermediary. To effectively mediate, one must maintain an equal distance from all parties involved in the conflict. Given its obvious alignment, London neither qualifies nor can play such a role," he said.

Peskov explained that when Russia proposed that Ukraine declare a ceasefire, the goal was to assess Kyiv's commitment to achieving sustainable peace.

"The objective behind Russia's proposed Easter ceasefire, as well as the current initiative to declare a ceasefire on the May 8, 9, and 10 holiday period, is to test Kyiv's readiness to pursue pathways towards enduring and stable peace between Russia and Ukraine," the Kremlin spokesman said.

"Of course, we will wait for unambiguous, final statements, and most importantly, actions aimed at de-escalating the conflict during the holidays," he said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a three-day ceasefire, effective from midnight on May 8 until midnight on May 11.

However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected this proposal, insisting on a longer cessation of fighting on his terms and issuing provocative statements related to the celebration of Victory Day in Moscow, which Russian officials assessed as "threats."