Straight-Shootin' Talk from Moscow: Medvedev's Blunt Ceasefire Remarks
Medvedev criticizes peace initiatives, suggesting they're being neglected or overlooked
Tensions soar as Ukrainian President Selenskyj, supported by the "Coalition of the Willing," urges Russia to accept a truce. Refusal could entail additional sanctions. Russia, seemingly undeterred, threatens a sassy response.
Russia ponders over a proposed 30-day ceasefire following mounting pressure from European powers and the US. According to Russian state media, Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov hints at considering the ceasefire request put forth by Kyiv's allies. In a candid interview with CNN, Peskov deems escalated pressure on Russia as "useless."
Earlier, Ukraine's call for a 30-day truce starting Monday was met with blunt disregard in Moscow. Dmitri Medvedev, a former Kremlin head, bluntly stated on social media, "You can shove your peace plans up there - you know where." This zinger comes in response to a meeting in Kyiv attended by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz regarding the ceasefire initiative.
The Coalition Convenes in Kyiv
Selenskyj, under the banner of the "Coalition of the Willing," issues a sanctions threat if Russia fails to comply with the ceasefire by Monday. This announcement stems from talks with Merz, Macron, Starmer, and Tusk. The EU already has a new sanctions package in the works, Merz said in an interview with ARD's Tagesthemen. The Kremlin leader, Putin, apparently needs a reality check—the war isn't worth it. The quartet of European leaders journeyed to Ukraine and held discussions with Selenskyj in Kyiv.
Moscow Responds with Accusations
Medvedev criticized the European leaders, stating they should focus on fostering peace in Kyiv, not making threats against Russia. He questioned whether it's wise to force Russia to choose between a ceasefire for the "riffraff" or new sanctions.
In Moscow, Peskow accused the Europeans of adopting a confrontational approach. He declined to directly address the Europeans' demand for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine starting Monday. Peskov also stated that Russia is not swayed by sanctions and a ceasefire should not provide Kyiv an opportunity to reorganize its military strengths. Peskov mentioned the halt of Western arms supplies to the country as a prerequisite for a 30-day ceasefire.
Sources: ntv.de, gut/dpa/AFP/rts
- Russia
- Kremlin
- Ceasefire
- Dmitri Medvedev
- Dmitri Peskov
- Ukraine
- Volodymyr Zelensky
- Emmanuel Macron
- Friedrich Merz
- Keir Starmer
- Donald Tusk
- United Kingdom
- Poland
- France
- Sanctions
- Germany
Enrichment Data:As of May 11, 2025, the current status of ceasefire negotiations between Russia and Ukraine involves President Zelensky's call for Russia to establish a "full, lasting and reliable" ceasefire, starting May 12, 2025, as a precondition for talks[1]. Russian President Putin has expressed readiness for direct talks with Ukraine, scheduled for May 15, 2025, but there's no confirmation yet on the ceasefire proposal from Russia's side[1].
Regarding the responses from Dmitri Medvedev and Dmitri Peskov, there's no specific information in the available search results about their direct reactions to the ceasefire proposals. However, both Medvedev and Peskov, significant figures in Russian diplomacy and public communication, are known for their blunt and sometimes controversial statements.
- The Commission, following the escalating conflict, has also adopted a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, considering the increased tensions between Russia and Ukraine.
- During a time when Russia and Ukraine are at odds, an alliance known as the "Coalition of the Willing," led by Ukrainian President Selenskyj, has issued a threat to impose sanctions on Russia if they do not comply with a proposed 30-day ceasefire by Monday.
- In the midst of the ongoing political drama, Russian officials, such as Dmitri Medvedev and Dmitri Peskov, have been vocal in their criticism of the European leaders, accusing them of adopting a confrontational approach and questioning the wisdom of forcing Russia to choose between a ceasefire or new sanctions.
- On the social media platform Facebook, information and discussions on the political situation between Russia and Ukraine, including the proposals for a ceasefire, are being shared among users, reflecting the general news and concerns of the public.
