Russia focused on pursuing long-term settlement in Ukraine: Kremlin

MOSCOW -- Russia is determined to work towards a long-term settlement in Ukraine, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday.

Peskov said Russian President Vladimir Putin clearly outlined his position on resuming negotiations with Ukraine without preconditions.

Commenting on the potential new sanctions that European countries might impose on Russia, Peskov noted that "language of ultimatums" is unacceptable for the country.

On Saturday, Ukraine said that Kiev is ready for a 30-day ceasefire with Russia starting Monday, while major European countries demanded that Russia agree to the ceasefire or face additional sanctions.

Putin early Sunday proposed to resume direct negotiations with Ukraine on May 15 in Istanbul, adding that a ceasefire agreement could be discussed during the meeting.

In a post on X late Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine is ready to engage in negotiations, and he will be in Türkiye on Thursday.