Kremlin Responds to Zelensky's Ceasefire Proposal for Elections

The Kremlin spokesperson explained why Ukraine needs a 60-day ceasefire and said there is currently no discussion of an 'energy ceasefire.'

According to "Tass" news agency, Dmitry Peskov, press secretary of the Russian President, emphasized in a press conference today, Monday, that Moscow wants to establish long-term peace in Ukraine and is ready to take all necessary measures to achieve this goal.

Peskov said in response to the words of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who raised the possibility of holding elections in this country if Vladimir Putin agrees to a 60-day ceasefire, "In the Kremlin, both President Vladimir Putin and other levels have stated many times that we do not want a temporary ceasefire, but long-term peace, and we are ready to take any possible measures to achieve it."

Peskov explained why Ukraine needs a 60-day ceasefire

The Kremlin spokesman reminded the reporters that the Ukrainian side needs a 60-day ceasefire not to hold elections, but to renew forces, compensate for damages, and continue the war. "They need a 60-day ceasefire not to hold elections, but to regroup, heal wounds and continue the war," he said. "Kiev authorities have no desire to hold elections at all, and this is quite obvious."

He emphasized that Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready to order the Russian armed forces not to attack Ukraine on the day of the elections.

The Kremlin has yet to comment on the "energy ceasefire".

Dmitry Peskov, in response to the question of "Tass" reporter, stated that the Kremlin cannot comment on the "Energy Ceasefire" issue at the moment, but the calls in this regard continue. The Kremlin spokesman made these statements in response to Donald Trump's claim that Moscow and Kiev agreed to establish an energy ceasefire.

Pointing out that the contacts between Russia and America are still continuing, he added: "The calls are continuing. Whenever we have something to announce about this issue, we will definitely let you know."

A Kremlin spokesman did not respond to a question about whether the potential "energy ceasefire" would only include oil refineries or other facilities as well.

Donald Trump claimed on Sunday that Russia and Ukraine have agreed to an "energy ceasefire". "Axios" news website also quoted a White House employee as saying that Trump "expects Volodymyr Zelensky to adhere to this ceasefire."

Three days earlier, Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump had a telephone conversation, as a result of which Moscow agreed to supply Russian diesel fuel to the United States and world markets.

Russia does not seek to create a rift between America and Europe over Ukraine

The Kremlin spokesman told reporters that Moscow is not seeking to create a rift between the United States and Europe over the Ukraine conflict, but is seeking to find solutions that allow for a peaceful resolution of the conflict.

In response to a journalist's question about whether Moscow believes that Donald Trump's position on the peaceful settlement of the Ukraine conflict will lead to a rift between the United States and Europe, Peskov said: "The efforts of the American negotiators are much more favorable to us, and we thank them for continuing these efforts. "We are not looking to create a divide here, but we are looking for really effective measures and responsible decisions that will allow for a peaceful resolution of the conflict."

The Kremlin spokesman expressed his opinion that the Europeans are not among the supporters of peace and, according to him, they are not looking for a way to resolve the conflict peacefully. "The Europeans clearly do not belong to the camp of peace advocates, that is, those who seek to find ways to achieve a peaceful settlement," Peskov said at the press conference. They mostly belong to the "war party". "Europe continues to do everything possible to prevent the end of the conflict in Ukraine."