Tracing the Tussle Over Ceasefire Conditions Ahead of Kiev Visit
Cessation of Hostilities Conditional on Termination of Weapons Supplies from Kremlin
Take a peek at the tail-end of Russia's firepower in Ukraine, even as they seem eager for a truce. Ahead of the European leaders' trip to Kiev, Moscow is flexing its conditions for a ceasefire – apparently to prevent Kiev from gaining an edge. Spokesman Peskov also hinted at another reason, whispering secrets from behind the Kremlin's iron curtain.
Rumor has it that Russia desires an end to the weaponry influx to Kiev as a prerequisite for a 30-day truce in the Ukraine conflict. Peskov asserted, "Giving an advantage to Ukraine isn't on our agenda." He further claimed that Ukraine would utilize the ceasefire to continue "total mobilization," bringing fresh troops to the battlefield, training new personnel, and offering current combatants a breather. But the catch is, as Peskov openly admits, "Why should we gift Ukraine such an edge?"
Interestingly, Peskov didn't explicitly elucidate that Russia, too, could seize the opportunity to bring troops to the frontline for a rest. However, he implied that Russia is gaining ground in its assault on Ukraine and holding the initiative, fueling suspicions that the Kremlin is reluctant to take a pause in the offensive.
Peskov also raised hopes that US President Donald Trump would continue to exert his sway over Ukraine, helping Moscow persuade Kyiv to discuss peace agreements. He accused Ukraine of skirting negotiations, adding to the powder keg of mutual accusations over desire for peace. In contrast, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is increasingly vocal in advocating for the 30-day truce Trump proposed as a precondition for negotiations to resolve the conflict.
Some covert support is swelling behind Zelenskyy from the heads of state of Germany, France, Poland, and the UK, who are currently camped in Ukraine. They've united voices calling for a 30-day ceasefire and expressed their readiness to mediate peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. Now it's Russia's move. Germany's chancellor, Friedrich Merz, voiced hope on Friday, asserting, "We've handed the ball to Moscow's court – nowhere else."
Indeed, European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen backed the US's call for an unconditional 30-day truce, aiming to smooth the path for peace talks. The European Union will hold "strong pressure" over Moscow and administer "further excruciating sanctions" if Russia disregards the truce, von der Leyen forecasted on Saturday. The goal? A "just and lasting peace for Ukraine" that ensures "security and stability" across the entire continent.
Notably, Russian President Vladimir Putin has recently issued a ceasefire order for Easter and the 80th anniversary of World War II's end. The looming three-day truce is set to expire at midnight Moscow time (23:00 CEST). Alarmingly, warring parties have previously accused each other of breaking the ceasefire within just a couple of days.
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- The European Parliament has also expressed its concern at the recent events in Ukraine, a country where a ceasefire has been a topic of discussion as political leaders prepare for a visit to Kiev.
- In contrast, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is increasingly vocal in advocating for a 30-day truce that Donald Trump proposed as a precondition for negotiations to resolve the Ukraine conflict.
- Notably, European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen backed the US's call for an unconditional 30-day truce, aiming to foster peace discussions between Russia and Ukraine.
- Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has recently issued a ceasefire order for Easter and the 80th anniversary of World War II's end, but past experiences have shown that maintaining a ceasefire in war-and-conflicts-dominated Ukraine may be challenging.
