Medvedev allegedly criticizes peace initiatives, suggesting they've been ineffectual.
Title: Medvedev's Profanity: Russia's Response to Ceasefire Demand from Kyiv's Allies
In the midst of escalating tension, Russia is weighing its options following the demands for a 30-day ceasefire from European states and the US. As reported by Russian state media, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov indicated that Moscow is considering the proposal. Peskov spoke to CNN, but emphasized that applying pressure on Moscow is futile.
Earlier in the day, Ukraine's plea for a 30-day ceasefire, starting Monday, was dismissed in Moscow. Dmitri Medvedev, deputy head of the Russian Security Council, vented his disapproval in English via social media, sarcastically suggesting that Ukraine's allies should shove their peace plans up their backsides. This remark was aimed at the meeting of the "Coalition of the Willing" in Kyiv, which included Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
During talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, German Chancellor Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Zelenskyy threatened sanctions if Russia failed to comply with the ceasefire. Merz stated in an interview that the EU is preparing another sanctions package and that Putin must realize that continuing the war is pointless.
Moscow's Counteractions
Medvedev criticized Zelenskyy's allies for their hostile stance towards Russia. He questioned if it was wise for Russia to be forced into a choice between a ceasefire for the "hordes" or new sanctions. Kremlin spokesman Peskov also accused the Europeans of an aggressive approach, stating that their statements were generally more focused on confrontation than on making strides towards reconciliation.
Before the ultimatum was issued, Peskov reported that Russia would not yield to sanctions, and a ceasefire shouldn't offer Ukraine the chance to regroup militarily. Peskov proposed the suspension of Western arms deliveries to the country as a precondition for a 30-day ceasefire.
As of May 10, 2025, the ceasefire negotiations between Russia and Ukraine are in a delicate state, with Ukraine and its allies advocating for an unconditional ceasefire, while Russia continues to seek terms that align with its interests. The European Union supports the 30-day ceasefire proposal and is prepared to impose further sanctions if the ceasefire is violated.
Sources: ntv.de, gut/dpa/AFP/rts
- Russia
- Kremlin
- Dmitri Medvedev
- Dmitri Peskov
- Ceasefire
- Attack on Ukraine
- Ukraine
- Volodymyr Zelenskyy
- Emmanuel Macron
- Friedrich Merz
- Keir Starmer
- Donald Tusk
- United Kingdom
- Poland
- France
- Sanctions
- Germany
- Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov, in response to the ceasefire demand from Ukraine's allies, maintained that pressure on Moscow is futile, as expressed during his conversation with CNN.
- Dmitri Medvedev, deputy head of the Russian Security Council, criticized Ukraine's allies for their hostile stance towards Russia, questioning if it was sensible for Russia to be compelled to choose between a ceasefire for the "hordes" or new sanctions.
- In a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Zelenskyy threatened sanctions if Russia failed to comply with the ceasefire.
- Peskov proposed the suspension of Western arms deliveries to Ukraine as a precondition for a 30-day ceasefire, with the Russian-Ukraine ceasefire negotiations currently in a delicate state, and the European Union prepared to impose additional sanctions if the ceasefire is violated.
