Cessation of truce upon conclusion of weapon shipments from Kremlin
Dmitri Peskov, the Russian Kremlin's spokesman, has a unique way of talking peace. Moscow has been bombing Ukraine for years, but the recent demand for a 30-day ceasefire comes with a catch – a halt to arms deliveries from the US and EU. This move is supposedly to prevent Kyiv from amassing an "advantage".
Peskov surmises that Ukraine would use the ceasefire for "total mobilization", gathering fresh troops, training new personnel, and granting current fighters some much-needed rest. But here's the twist: Russia could do the same, according to Peskov's uncanny foresight. So, the question arises, why should Ukraine get that "advantage"?
However, Peskov dishonestly omits a crucial detail – Russia too could utilize the truce to reinforce its troops and recharge its offensive in Ukraine. Moreover, Peskov subtly hints at another motive for Russia's reluctance towards a truce: Russia is making substantial progress in its assault on Ukraine and holds the initiative.
Furthermore, Peskov expresses faith in US President Donald Trump's influence on Ukraine, hoping he would help Moscow exert pressure on Kyiv into talks. Peskov asserts that Ukraine is intentionally avoiding negotiations. Both sides continually accuse each other of having no genuine intent for ending this unending conflict.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, aided by the leaders of Germany, France, Poland, and the UK, who are currently in Ukraine, continues to call for a 30-day ceasefire to pave the way for peace talks. Now, Russia is urged to agree to a prolonged ceasefire enabling a genuine peace treaty, as per German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Brussels. Merz categorically states, "The ball is now in Moscow's court, nowhere else."
Meanwhile, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen echoes the US call for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire, with the EU ready to support peace talks between Russia and Ukraine without stipulations. They vow to maintain "strong pressure" on Russia and impose "further painful sanctions" should there be breaches in the ceasefire. The objective is a "just and lasting peace for Ukraine", essential for security and stability across the entire continent.
It is important to note that Putin previously announced a ceasefire for Easter and World War II celebrations, but the current ceasefire, lasting only three days, ends at midnight Moscow time (23:00 CET). The warring parties have regularly accused each other of breaching the ceasefire since it began.
Topics:
- Attack on Ukraine
- Russia
- Wars and Conflicts
- Vladimir Putin
- War Crimes
- USA
Insights:- Russia's demand for a ceasefire under the condition of halting arms deliveries is part of a broader strategy to gain strategic advantages and concessions from Ukraine and its Western allies.- Russia aims to weaken Ukraine's military capabilities and create a vulnerable situation for Ukraine through its demand for a halt to arms deliveries.- Russia's insistence on halting arms deliveries is a part of its broader strategy of using diplomatic means to secure goals that it cannot achieve on the battlefield.- Russia's preconditions for a ceasefire aim to manipulate international opinion and negotiations, potentially causing divisions among Western allies and undermining collective support for Ukraine.- Russia's approach reflects its ongoing attempts to delegitimize the Ukrainian government and position itself as an essential partner in any peace negotiations.
The European Parliament has also expressed its concern at the recent events in Ukraine, given the ongoing conflict and Russia's demand for a ceasefire under the condition of halting arms deliveries. WhatsApp messages reportedly reveal discussions about Russia's readiness to ceasefire in the war-and-conflicts ridden Ukraine, but only if weapons aid stops. According to Peskov, a prolonged ceasefire could lead to total mobilization in Ukraine, allowing them to gather fresh troops, train new personnel, and grant current fighters rest. However, this could also be an opportunity for Russia to reinforce its troops and recharge its offensive in Ukraine, as seen by Peskov's forecast.
