Russia Offers One-Day Ceasefire for Ukraine Elections, Rejects Longer Truce
The Kremlin says it would pause strikes during voting but dismisses President Zelenskiy's call for a 60-day ceasefire as Trump suggests leadership change.
Moscow has indicated it would halt military operations against Ukraine for a single day to allow presidential elections to proceed, but the Kremlin firmly rejected calls for an extended ceasefire on Monday. Dmitry Peskov, speaking on behalf of President Vladimir Putin, said Russian forces would refrain from striking Ukrainian territory specifically on election day if voting were to take place.
The statement comes in response to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's proposal for a 60-day ceasefire to facilitate elections. During an ABC News interview on Sunday, Zelenskiy called on Putin to agree to a two-month pause in hostilities, stating that Ukraine would organize elections during that period. Peskov dismissed the proposal, emphasizing that Moscow seeks a permanent peace agreement rather than a temporary cessation of combat.
The exchange follows remarks from U.S. President Donald Trump, who criticized Zelenskiy's leadership and suggested Ukraine needs new leadership. Trump told reporters that the Ukrainian president has been unable to secure a peace agreement with Russia and that it was time for a change in Kyiv. He also condemned Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil infrastructure, which occurred after Washington eased restrictions on Russian diesel exports.
The ongoing conflict, now in its fourth year, began with Russia's invasion in February 2022. Moscow's initial strategy centered on a rapid seizure of Kyiv through an assault on Hostomel Airport, intending to establish a forward base for airborne troops. Despite initially capturing the facility, Russian forces faced fierce Ukrainian resistance and counterattacks, ultimately forcing them to abandon their advance on the capital and shift their military focus to eastern Ukraine.
Source: www.eurasiantimes.com