Kremlin: Putin ready for dialogue on ceasefire, halting military aid to Kiev

The Kremlin on Saturday accused European countries of contradictory and confrontational statements, after European leaders backed a US plan for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine and threatened Russia with "major" sanctions if it did not implement the plan.

"We are receiving numerous contradictory statements from Europe. They are essentially confrontational in nature, rather than aimed at restoring our relations. Nothing more," said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

Russian President Vladimir Putin "reportedly said he is ready for contacts with any leader," Peskov said. "And he is ready for interaction, for dialogue with any leader if they are ready for that."

Ukraine and European leaders agreed on Saturday that a 30-day unconditional ceasefire should begin on Monday, with the support of US President Donald Trump.

On Friday, Peskov said Russia supported the introduction of a 30-day ceasefire, but only if "numerous nuances" were taken into account.

In a separate statement to ABC News on Saturday, the spokesman said Western military aid to Ukraine would have to end for a ceasefire to happen. "Otherwise it will be an advantage for Ukraine," he said.

Russia believes it has an advantage on the battlefield and says it is concerned that Ukraine could use the 30-day pause in the war to rest its forces, mobilize more manpower and buy more Western weapons.