Heading to Kiew: Kremlin Stalls Ceasefire Until Arms Aid Stops
Cessation of hostilities contingent upon termination of weaponry shipments, according to Kremlin.
In an informal, straightforward style, we delve into the recent political power play between Ukraine and Russia.
Behind the HeadlinesFor years, Russia has been launching attacks on Ukraine but claims to yearn for peace. As European heads of state gear up for a visit to Kiew, the Kremlin sets a condition for a 30-day ceasefire – supposedly to forestall Ukraine from obtaining an advantage. Kremlin spokesman Peskov also hints at another motive.
Russia insists on an end to arms deliveries to Kiew by the US and EU as a prerequisite for a ceasefire in the ongoing Ukraine war. "Otherwise, it'll give Ukraine an upper hand," Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov told a US broadcaster ABC in a candid interview. According to him, Ukraine would use the ceasefire to continue its "total mobilization," bring new troops to the front, train fresh recruits, and give veteran soldiers a much-needed rest. "Why should we grant Ukraine such an advantage?" he questioned.
Sifting Through PoliticsWhat Peskov skipped: Russia could utilize the break to bolster its own troop strength. In fact, Peskov also hinted at another reason for the Kremlin's skepticism: Russia is making headway in its offensive in Ukraine and holds the tactical high ground, he stated.
The Kremlin spokesman additionally expressed optimism that US President Donald Trump would continue exerting influence over Ukraine, aiding Moscow in pushing Kiew into negotiations. He accused Ukraine of wanting to dodge negotiations. Both sides frequently accuse each other of not genuinely desiring an end to hostilities. Zelensky, on the other hand, has been vocal about his desire for the 30-day ceasefire proposed by Trump as a precondition for negotiations to resolve the conflict.
Taking the LeadZelensky found support from the leaders of Germany, France, Poland, and the UK, who are currently in Ukraine. They called for a 30-day ceasefire in the war and expressed their readiness to support peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz declared on Friday in Brussels, "The ball is now in Moscow's court; nowhere else."
Bracing for ActionThe EU also backs the US call for a 30-day unilateral ceasefire without conditions to pave the way for peace talks. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reiterated this stance on Saturday. Now, the ball is in Russia's court. The EU is prepared to sustain "intense pressure" on Moscow and impose "additional punitive sanctions" in the event of a ceasefire violation, von der Leyen added. The ultimate goal is a "fair and permanent peace for Ukraine," vital for security and stability across the entire continent.
Russian President Vladimir Putin recently ordered a ceasefire for Easter and to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The current truce, in effect for three days, expires at midnight Moscow time (23:00 CEST). The warring parties have consistently accused each other of ceasefire violations during the past two days.
- Ukraine Conflict
- Military Escalation
- Political Strategies
- Geopolitical Tensions
- Vladimir Putin
Insight: Russia's demand for an end to arms deliveries serves multiple strategic purposes, including gaining a military advantage, applying pressure on Western allies, strengthening its negotiating position, and strategic posturing. However, Ukraine and its allies have continually refused to accept any conditions for a ceasefire, stressing the necessity of an unconditional halt to hostilities.
- The European Parliament has also expressed its concern at the recent events in Kiev, as Russian President Vladimir Putin recently ordered a ceasefire for Easter and to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
- Despite Putin's call for a ceasefire, the Kremlin reportedly has conditions, such as the end of arms deliveries to Ukraine, for the ceasefire to be in effect.
- In an interview with US broadcaster ABC, Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov explained that Russia insists on an end to arms deliveries to Kiev by the US and EU as a prerequisite for a ceasefire in the ongoing Ukraine war.
- The EU, along with the US, has called for a 30-day unilateral ceasefire without conditions, emphasizing the importance of paving the way for peace talks and a "fair and permanent peace for Ukraine," vital for security and stability across the entire continent.
