ISTANBUL

Russia must “start acting” on its readiness for a peace in Ukraine, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said on Wednesday.

“Russia must stop talking about its readiness for peace and start acting by agreeing unconditionally to a real and durable ceasefire,” Sybiha said on X.

Sybiha reaffirmed Ukraine’s readiness for peace talks in any format “as soon as we see that Russia is truly prepared for the difficult path to peace, rather than just peace populism or a brief propaganda ceasefire for the May 9 parade.”

"If Russia is ready for a 60- or 90-day ceasefire, we are too," he said, adding: "When the guns are silent, talks can begin—in any format that will bring peace."

Russian President Vladimir Putin declared on Monday a unilateral three-day ceasefire in Ukraine starting on May 8, a day before celebrations to mark the 80th anniversary of Soviet Union's victory in World War II.

Victory Day is a holiday celebrated in Russia and various former Soviet countries on May 9 in commemoration of Nazi Germany’s surrender during World War II, a conflict Russia officially calls the Great Patriotic War.

In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of “another attempt at manipulation,” saying any ceasefire should not be temporary but “immediate, full and unconditional – for at least 30 days to ensure it is secure and guaranteed.”