Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected an ultimatum by European leaders to agree to a ceasefire with Ukraine or face increased sanctions, but has proposed holding direct negotiations with Kiev this week,

MOSCOW | TASS | The Kiev regime did not respond to Russia’s Victory Day ceasefire initiative and launched large-scale attacks almost immediately, Russian President Vladimir Putin has told reporters in the Kremlin.

European leaders from Britain, France, Germany and Poland joined Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv in urging Russian President Vladimir Putin to accept a 30-day ceasefire or face more sanctions.