Lukashenko pointed to Russia's long-standing willingness to make peace with Ukraine

Russia has long been ready to conclude not just a truce, but peace with Ukraine. This was stated on May 9 by the President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko in an interview with the American television channel NBC.

"President [of Russia Vladimir] Putin doesn't owe anyone anything at all. So that you understand. This is the first one. As for the truce, I can put it into words. We talked about this the last time in Volgograd. They are ready for it. Russia has long been ready for not just a truce, but to conclude peace," the Belarusian leader said. His words are quoted by the BelTA news agency.

He stressed that the problem in achieving peace is not Russia.

"We have to deal with the other side, as far as I know. As soon as the Americans and Ukrainians decide that peace is needed, the Europeans will get in line and peace will come," Lukashenko concluded.

On April 28, Putin announced a truce on the days of the 80th anniversary of Victory from zero hours from May 7-8 to 00:00 Moscow time from May 10-11. In addition, the Kremlin clarified that the Ukrainian side needs to follow the same example.

Taming the fire: why it is beneficial for Kiev to disrupt the three-day truce

And what is slowing down the Ukrainian settlement

On May 9, the Russian Defense Ministry announced that the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) continue to fight against the Russian army, despite the announcement of a truce. In particular, more than 5,000 violations were recorded.

On April 30, Russia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN) Vasily Nebenzia announced Moscow's readiness for direct talks with Kiev without preconditions. He stressed that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky refuses US proposals for a settlement in order to conceal the crimes committed.