The Kremlin has dismissed a proposal to suspend fighting in Ukraine for 60 days so that elections could be organised, with Vladimir Putin’s press secretary making clear that Moscow has no appetite for a truce. Dmitry Peskov said Russia’s supreme commander-in-chief would be prepared to order a pause in attacks on election day itself – and for that single day only.
Peskov was asked whether the Kremlin would be willing to stop strikes for the duration of a possible presidential vote in Ukraine. He replied that such a scenario could apply to one day, and ruled out the 60-day halt that Volodymyr Zelensky had sought.
– If Kyiv really wants to hold elections, then the president of the Russian Federation, the supreme commander-in-chief, will be ready to give the order not to attack Ukraine on election day. Exactly on that day – said Peskov.
He stressed that the wording needed to be precise and that the arrangement would cover the day of the vote alone.
One day only
The Kremlin spokesman went on to question the intentions behind the proposal from Kyiv, arguing that the Ukrainian side is not genuinely preparing to hold a vote.
– In reality, they do not want to hold elections in Kyiv. That is quite obvious – said the spokesman.
According to Peskov, a two-month pause would serve a different purpose altogether, allowing Ukrainian forces to regroup rather than to organise a ballot.
– The 60 days of ceasefire are needed by them not for holding elections, but to gather strength, heal their wounds and continue the war – said Peskov, quoted by TASS.
The spokesman said the Kremlin has no interest in a ceasefire, repeating a position he said has been voiced repeatedly by the Russian leadership.
– The Kremlin has said this many times, President Putin has as well, at various levels: we do not want a ceasefire, we want a long-term peace, and we are ready to do everything possible for it – said the spokesman.
Strikes on energy infrastructure
Peskov was also asked about halting attacks on Ukraine’s energy sector, and about the reciprocal strikes on Russian refineries. He said there was nothing he could pass on at this stage.
– Contacts are continuing. If we have something to say on this matter, we will certainly inform you – the spokesman told journalists.
The question followed an announcement by Donald Trump on Sunday that a halt to attacks on energy and refinery infrastructure had been reached and was in force. After that statement, Russian forces struck a power plant in Kharkiv.
Źródło: Polsat News, Fot. Polsat News
