Putin proposes a truce, extends an invitation to the British Army for Victory Day celebrations, outlines Russia's hopes for Kiev: Peskov's remarks
Headline: Peskov: Russia's Ceasefire Proposal Tests Ukraine's Peace Negotiation Readiness
In an informal chat with media, Russian President's press secretary, Dmitry Peskov, revealed that the ceasefire proposed by Russia serves to test Ukraine's readiness for long-term, stable peace talks. The Kremlin's proposal includes a ceasefire from May 7 to May 11, marking the 80th anniversary of Victory.
Peskov on UK's Invitation to Ukrainian Military
Continuing the vibe, Peskov branded the UK's invitation of Ukrainian military personnel to London for Victory Day as blasphemous and disrespectful to British citizens who lost their lives in World War II. This statement follows UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace's announcement that Ukrainian forces would participate in the London parade alongside British troops.
Russia Awaits Kyiv's De-escalation Actions
Expressing Russia's expectations, Peskov called for definitive actions from Kyiv aimed at de-escalating the conflict during the holidays. He also outlined that the ideological foundation of the current Kyiv regime is rooted in neo-Nazism.
London Not a Potential Mediator, Says Peskov
During a conversation with journalists, Peskov emphasized that London has not yet claimed the role of mediator in the Ukrainian settlement and cannot be one.
Understanding the Background: Russia-Ukraine Ceasefire Attempts
The protracted Russia-Ukraine conflict is marked by failed ceasefire agreements and divergent demands. Past attempts have included:
- The 2014–2015 Minsk accords, which repeatedly collapsed due to violations.
- Seasonal truces like Easter and Christmas, consistently failing with both sides accusing each other of violations.
- Proposed April 2022 ceasefire, which disintegrated amid ongoing hostilities.
Current Ceasefire Proposals
- Russia’s Demands: The ongoing ceasefire proposal by Russia requires the retention of annexed territories, Ukrainian neutrality, "demilitarization," and sanctions relief.
- Ukraine’s Response: Ukraine demands withdrawals, security guarantees, and insists on a 30-day truce.
The current impasse in talks remains due to Russia's territorial concession demands and Ukraine's calls for withdrawals and security guarantees. The 30-day ceasefire proposal, seen as a precondition for negotiations, faces skepticism from Russia over implementation.
Sources:
- BBC News
- The New York Times
- The Council on Foreign Relations
- The Washington Post
- Dmitry Peskov, Russian President's press secretary, has criticized the UK's invitation to Ukrainian military personnel for the Victory Day parade, branding it as disrespectful to British citizens who lost their lives in World War II.
- In addition to criticizing the UK's actions, Peskov also called for Kyiv to take definitive actions aimed at de-escalating the conflict during the holidays, citing Russia's expectations for peace.
- Peskov's statements came as the resulting ceasefire proposal from Russia has tests Ukraine's readiness for long-term, stable peace talks, a proposal that includes a ceasefire from May 7 to May 11, marking the 80th anniversary of Victory.
- The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict is marked by failed ceasefire agreements, with the current impasse in talks remaining due to Russia's territorial concession demands and Ukraine's calls for withdrawals and security guarantees. The 30-day ceasefire proposal, seen as a precondition for negotiations, faces skepticism from Russia over implementation.
