The Kremlin has firmly resisted Western demands for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, dismissing them as “unacceptable ultimatums.”
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, addressing reporters at a press briefing on Monday, cautioned that such rhetoric would not persuade Moscow to change its position.
“This language of ultimatums is unacceptable for Russia. It doesn’t work. You can’t talk to Russia like that,” Peskov said, categorically rejecting the Western approach.
Despite the strong rebuke, Peskov reaffirmed Russia’s willingness to engage in peace negotiations. He highlighted President Vladimir Putin’s openness to resuming direct discussions in Istanbul without preconditions—discussions he alleged were abandoned by Ukraine in 2022.
“President Putin clearly and unambiguously outlined our position. We are committed to a serious search for a long-term peaceful settlement,” Peskov declared.
Concurrently, Germany issued a stern warning on Monday, stating that Russia must accept an unconditional 30-day ceasefire by day’s end or face new sanctions from the European Union. German government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius announced this as European foreign ministers gathered in London to address the ongoing conflict, now in its fourth year.
“The Ukrainian president has shown willingness for peace. He has made significant concessions in recent weeks. It is now Russia’s turn to respond in kind and commit to serious political negotiations,” Kornelius stated.
The intensified call for a ceasefire follows a weekend visit to Kyiv by leaders from France, Germany, Poland, and the UK, who collectively pressed Moscow to embrace the temporary truce as a step toward peace.
In response, President Putin proposed on Sunday restarting direct negotiations in Istanbul starting May 15, keeping open the prospect of discussing a new ceasefire.
“We do not rule out that during these talks, a new truce could be reached—a genuine ceasefire, observed by both sides. This could mark the first step toward a lasting peace, rather than a pause before more conflict,” Putin said.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli