Russia has rejected the idea of a 60-day ceasefire proposed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, which would have allowed presidential elections to be organised in the country. Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov spoke on the matter, stressing that Russia wants a long-term peace agreement instead of a temporary ceasefire.
“In Kremlin both President Putin and officials at various levels have repeatedly stated that we do not want a ceasefire. We want long-term peace and are ready to do everything possible to achieve it,” Peskov said.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also addressed the matter, saying that Zelensky does not deserve a halt to military operations.
“I do not think he deserves a pause. I do not think we will again believe assurances and promises. Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed himself very clearly on this. We will continue to achieve the goals of the special military operation,” the Russian foreign minister said.
Russia has long insisted that Ukraine must organize elections, and declares that because they have not been organized Zelensky is not a legitimate leader.
Ukraine’s legislation prohibits organizing elections under conditions of martial law.
