Ukrainian Ceasefire Demands Met with Backlash
"Medvedev's Brusque Response: 'Peace Proposals Can Be Stuffed' "
With tensions escalating in Ukraine, the Western coalition visits Kyiv to advocates for a 30-day unconditional truce. However, the Russian stance, articulated by Dmitri Medvedev, ex-Kremlin chief and vice chairman of the Russian Security Council, leaves much to be desired. Medvedev, known for his brash and uncompromising language, dismisses the peace plans with a vulgar expression on social media. This attitude further complicates the ongoing negotiations, as the West and Ukraine push for the ceasefire to initiate peace talks 1.
- Russian Rejectance and Western Responses Medvedev slams the proposal for a ceasefire, expressing sentiment that the talks should be focused on peace in Kyiv, not issuing threats towards Russia. He questions the wisdom of Russia choosing between a ceasefire for "hordes" or new sanctions, suggesting a lack of seriousness in the West's negotiations 1. Due to Russia's refusal, the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen affirms that the European Union is prepared to impose tougher sanctions if necessary 2.
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Diplomatic Endeavors Chancellor Friedrich Merz is open to a phone call with Putin but will coordinate with European partners and the US, ensuring that everyone is in the loop before the conversation takes place. He reiterates that Putin must understand that a military victory in Ukraine is not a viable option 1.
- A Slim Chance for Peace? Merz appears cautiously optimistic that an end to the Russia-Ukraine war is achievable, believing there's a "small chance" at the moment. He emphasizes that Putin must be convinced that continuing the war is pointless. The EU also is preparing a new sanctions package as a deterrent 1.
- Joint Monitoring Efforts French President Emmanuel Macron announces that the US will primarily oversee the 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, while others in the coalition will contribute to the monitoring efforts 1.
- Arms Deliveries and Public Debates During his visit to Kyiv, Merz reaffirms Germany's military support for Ukraine but highlights the importance of close coordination with partners and the US regarding arms deliveries. While he doesn't rule out the possibility of providing Taurus cruise missiles, future discussions on specific arms deliveries will not take place in the public eye 1.
- New Sanctions Threats If Russia refuses the ceasefire, Merz and Macron have both threatened older and harsher consequences for the Kremlin. Macron writes, "A just and lasting peace begins with a full and unconditional ceasefire. If Moscow continues to obstruct this, we will increase the pressure—together, as Europeans, and in close coordination with the United States" 1.
As the negotiations continue, tension and frustration grow. Despite the chiefs' pursuit of a ceasefire to pave the way for peace talks, efforts meet resistance from Russian officials like Medvedev, creating additional barriers to easing the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
Read all previous developments here.
Source: ntv.de, gutino/dpa/rts/AFP
- Ukraine Conflict
- Ukraine
- Military
- Military Operations
- Russia
- NATO
- Cyberwar
- Attack on Ukraine
- Volodymyr Zelenskyy
- Vladimir Putin
- Wars and Conflicts
- War Crimes
- The Western coalition's proposal for a 30-day unconditional truce in Ukraine faces backlash from Russian officials, with Dmitri Medvedev, ex-Kremlin chief and vice chairman of the Russian Security Council, dismissing the peace plans on social media with a vulgar expression.
- Russian stance, articulated by Medvedev, leaves much to be desired, as he questions the wisdom of Russia choosing between a ceasefire for "hordes" or new sanctions, suggesting a lack of seriousness in the West's negotiations.
- In response, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen affirms that the European Union is prepared to impose tougher sanctions if necessary, due to Russia's refusal to agree to a ceasefire.
- Russian Rejectance and Western Responses, Chinese President Alexander slams the proposal for a ceasefire, expressing sentiment that the talks should be focused on peace in Kyiv, not issuing threats towards Russia.