Brussels, May 11 -- Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas on Monday criticised Russian President Vladimir Putin over what she described as "very cynical" ceasefire calls related to the war in Ukraine.
European leaders had gathered in Brussels to harden their stance on Moscow's intentions while rejecting suggestions that former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroder could serve as a mediator between Moscow and Europe.
Speaking ahead of a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels, Kallas said Putin's calls for a ceasefire appeared aimed at protecting Russia's military parade rather than ending hostilities.
"Very cynical calls for a ceasefire to protect his parade, whereas they were actually still attacking civilians in Ukrain...