Shooting War in Kyiv: Kremlin Demands Halt to Arms Deliveries for a Ceasefire
Cessation of hostilities conditional on halting weapons shipments (Kremlin's stance)
In an unexpected move, Russia has proposed a 30-day ceasefire in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine—but only if the Western nations halt their arms shipments to the embattled nation. Dmitri Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman, toys with the prospect of gaining an upper hand in the war, stating that a ceasefire would allow Ukraine to continue its mobilization, bolster troops, and train fresh recruits.
Peskov hints at another motive behind Moscow's reluctance: Russia's military offensive is progressing, and it's primed to seize advantageous positions. In addition, the spokesman raises hopes that Donald Trump might intercede on Moscow's behalf, applying his clout to pressure Ukraine into peace talks. Both parties remain embroiled in an endless game of accusations—each alleging the other's aversion to ending hostilities.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been advocating for the 30-day ceasefire doled out by Trump to pave the way for negotiations. European leaders, including Germany, France, Poland, and the UK, have rallied behind Zelenskyy, urging a 30-day ceasefire, and expressing readiness to mediate peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. Now, it falls upon Russia to reciprocate with a longer cessation of hostilities that would foster a genuine peace accord.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz poignantly declared in Brussels, "The ball is now in Moscow's court." EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen echoes the sentiment, supporting the US demand for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire to pave the way for peace dialogues. In case of a ceasefire breach, the EU stands ready to impose further sanctions and uphold pressure on Russia until a just, lasting peace is secured for Ukraine, vital for the region's overall security and stability.
Despite repeated attempts for a truce, both warring factions have reproached each other for ceasefire violations in the recent days. Previously, Russian President Vladimir Putin had announced a ceasefire for Easter and the end of World War II's 80th anniversary, but the current three-day truce is set to expire at midnight Moscow time (23:00 CEST).
All information based on reports from ntv.de and gho/dpa. For more context, check out the enrichment data below. Note that the Kremlin's exact terms for ceasefire remain unclear.
Additional Insights:
- Russia has historically sought concessions from Ukraine and its allies in exchange for considering any ceasefire.
- Russia's insistence on halting arms deliveries likely aims to limit Ukraine's ability to resist and force it into a weaker negotiating position.
Sources: ntv.de, gho/dpa
- Attack on Ukraine
- Russia
- Wars and Conflicts
- Vladimir Putin
- USA
- The European Parliament has also expressed its concern at the recent events in Ukraine, noting the ambiguity surrounding Russia's proposed ceasefire and its condition for a halt in arms deliveries.
- In a statement, Russian spokesperson Dmitri Peskov suggested that a ceasefire could potentially offer Russia an advantageous position, as it would allow Ukraine to strengthen its forces while Russia's military offensive continues.
- Amidst these complex politics and general news surrounding war-and-conflicts, both conflict parties—Russia and Ukraine—have repeatedly accused each other of ceasefire violations.
- With both sides seemingly unwilling to agree on a permanent peace, the EU has threatened to impose further sanctions on Russia if there are any ceasefire breaches, with the ultimate goal of securing a just, lasting peace for Ukraine.
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