Lavrov: Russia offers direct talks, sees Ukraine's truce call as condition

Lavrov made this statement during a BRICS meeting on April 29, as reported by TASS.

"Our proposal, which was voiced by President Putin, is the beginning of direct negotiations without preconditions," Lavrov said.

At the same time, he called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's statement, in which he called for a 30-day ceasefire, a condition.

"The truce in this situation is considered as a precondition that will be used to further support the Kyiv regime and strengthen its military capabilities," Lavrov asserted.

• On April 28, Vladimir Putin announced a so-called ceasefire on the day of the 80th anniversary of the victory in World War II.