Zelensky has in turn rejected Russia's unilateral three-day ceasefire and said that Ukraine will not guarantee the safety of a celebratory military parade in Moscow's Red Square on 9 May. The Russian proposal has been met with widespread cynicism in Ukraine, where polls consistently suggest that about 95% of the population distrusts Russia.

President Vladimir Putin said in remarks published on Sunday that Russia had sufficient strength and resources to take the war in Ukraine to its logical conclusion, though he hoped that there would be no need to use nuclear weapons.

The Kremlin on Tuesday said that Russian forces still planned to cease fire in Ukraine from May 8-10 on President Vladimir Putin’s orders, but would respond if Ukrain attempts to strike Russian positions.

In his first interview since leaving office, the 82-year-old criticises his successor's handling of the war and is challenged on his own record.

U.S. President Donald Trump said Moscow and Kyiv want to settle the war in Ukraine and that Russian President Vladimir Putin was more inclined towards peace after the recent fall in the price of oil.