MOSCOW/LONDON - 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.
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On Saturday, Ukraine said that Kyiv 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.
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Meanwhile, British and European foreign ministers and officials met in London on Monday but concluded without substantial breakthroughs on the situation in Ukraine.
According to a statement from the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the ministers reaffirmed their commitment to providing security guarantees for Ukraine, including the establishment of a coalition of air, land, and maritime reassurance forces.
Foreign ministers from France, Spain, Germany, Italy, and the European Commission reiterated that a halt remains a prerequisite for further diplomatic progress.
READ MORE: Ukraine says ready for 30-day truce with Russia starting Monday
However, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, the host, refrained from commenting on the sequencing of a potential ceasefire.
Monday's meeting is viewed as a part of the preparations for the upcoming UK-EU Summit, scheduled to take place next Monday in London.
