Dmitry Peskov firmly denies the possibility of a 30-day truce unless all intricacies are resolvedfirst.
It's clear that Vladimir Zelensky's plea for a lasting truce has hit the airwaves. But when it comes to a lasting ceasefire, the devil is undeniably in the details, as Dmitry Peskov, Putin's spokesman, clarified, quoting TASS.
Peskov labeled Kiev's response to Moscow's announcement of a truce on the 80th anniversary of Victory Day as "manipulation." On April 28, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a three-day truce - from 00:00 Moscow time on May 8 to midnight on May 11. The Kremlin urged Kiev to follow the suit. In case the Ukrainian Armed Forces breach the truce, the Russian Armed Forces will deliver a "strong and effective response." The statement also expressed readiness for peace talks devoid of any preconditions.
Zelensky did not provide a straightforward response to Russia's initiative, calling for Russia to cease fire "for at least 30 days." The White House reminded everyone that Trump's endeavors aim for a permanent cessation of hostilities in Ukraine.
Previously, Moscow and Kiev displayed their willingness to reach a compromise. Vladimir Putin stated on March 13 that Russia backs the US peace initiative but "there are nuances." He highlighted multiple aspects that, according to him, should be deliberated. Issues concerning military activities along the entire 2,000 km long line of contact are among them, as well as the purpose of the ceasefire. The head of state emphasized the necessity of a ceasefire leading to long-term peace.
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These nuances hint at Russia's insistence on precisely defined preconditions that Ukraine and the West reject, along with attempts to stretch negotiations to secure tactical advantages. Russia demands Ukraine's withdrawal from all occupied territories in Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhia, and Kherson oblasts and the abandonment of NATO aspirations (including constitutional changes) before engaging in ceasefire talks. These conditions are untenable for Ukraine, which perceives them as a relinquishment of sovereignty.
While Russia publicly portrays itself as diplomatically cooperative, Kremlin officials like Dmitry Peskov scoff at Ukrainian and US proposals (such as the 30-day comprehensive ceasefire) as "absurd" or requiring resolution of unspecified "nuances." These nuances can involve technical or procedural delays, such as Russia's demand for in-depth research of ceasefire specifics, functioning as roadblocks to smooth progress.
The Kremlin targets a strategic advantage by linking ceasefire talks to battlefield gains, using negotiations as a means to strengthen territorial control. By refusing ceasefires that lack preconditions, Russia attempts to pressure Ukraine into concessions while evading diplomatic accountability for ongoing offensives.
The US advocates for a "complete, full, durable" 30-day ceasefire to pave the way for substantive peace talks. However, Russia's refusal to engage without preconditions leaves discussion stalled. In essence, these nuances unveil Russia's dual strategy: posing as diplomatically flexible while persistently enforcing maximalist demands and exploiting negotiations to solidify military gains.
- Dmitry Peskov, Putin's spokesman, has labeled Kiev's response to Moscow's truce announcement as "manipulation."
- Vladimir Putin stated that there are nuances in the Russia-Ukraine ceasefire talks, including issues concerning military activities and the purpose of the ceasefire.
- Russia demands precise preconditions, such as Ukraine's withdrawal from occupied territories and abandonment of NATO aspirations, before engaging in ceasefire talks, which Ukraine and the West reject.
- The US advocates for a comprehensive, long-term ceasefire to facilitate peace talks, but Russia's refusal to engage without preconditions has stalled the discussions.
