Budanov: Ukraine ready to extend ceasefire if it is mutual

Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov has said that the ceasefire introduced by Ukraine demonstrates a genuine desire for peace, and that Kyiv is ready to extend it provided it is reciprocal.

According to Ukrinform, he reported this on Telegram.

"The ceasefire introduced by Ukraine shows our true desire for peace – not tied to any dates or imposed ideological narratives, but aimed at saving lives and restoring security. If the ceasefire announced by the president is mutual, we will extend it. And this will give us at least some hope for achieving a lasting peace," he said.

Budanov added that President Volodymyr Zelensky has demonstrated his commitment to peace with this step.

"The next move is up to Russia. Is Moscow ready to prove that human life holds any value for them? We are closely monitoring every move of the enemy and are ready for any development," he wrote.

As reported, Zelensky said Ukraine has not received official signals from Russia regarding a cessation of hostilities, despite statements circulating on social media. Nevertheless, Kyiv is introducing a ceasefire starting May 6 and is calling on Moscow to move from rhetoric to concrete actions.