‘You Can’t Talk to Russia Like That’: Moscow Pushes Back on Ceasefire Calls

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov commented on the West’s demand for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, saying that the language of ultimatums is unacceptable to Russia. According to him, adopting such a tone is not appropriate when dealing with Moscow.

“This language of ultimatums is unacceptable for Russia. It doesn’t work. You can’t talk to Russia like that,” Peskov said at a press briefing on Monday.

At the same time, he restated that Russia is seriously committed to seeking ways to achieve a long-term resolution to the war in Ukraine.

“President Vladimir Putin clearly and unambiguously outlined our position on resuming direct negotiations in Istanbul without any preconditions. These are the same talks that were interrupted by the Ukrainian side in 2022,” Peskov told reporters.

“In general, we are committed to a serious search for paths to a long-term peaceful settlement,” he added.

Germany warned on Monday that the “clock is ticking” for Russia to accept an unconditional 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine until the end of the day – or face new European sanctions.

“If Moscow does not accept the demand, preparations will be set in motion in Brussels for fresh sanctions,” Stefan Kornelius, a German government spokesperson said.

The statement came as European ministers gathered in London for a key meeting on the war in Ukraine, which has continued for more than three years.

Other Topics of Interest

Putin Boosts Russian Military Staffing Amid Staggering Losses and Drone Threat

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a new decree increasing the authorized personnel size of the Russian Armed Forces by nearly 10,000 individuals. Marked as the second staffing expansion in just four months, the decree raises Russia’s total military strength to nearly 2.4 million people, including 1.5 million active servicemen.

Speaking at the briefing in Berlin Kornelius said: “The Ukrainian president has made it clear that he is prepared to agree to a ceasefire.”

“He has made major concessions in the last two weeks. It is now up to the Russian side to respond to these proposals and agree to serious political negotiations.”

The warning follows a Saturday visit to Kyiv by leaders from France, Germany, Poland, and the UK. During that trip, they called on the Kremlin to accept a 30-day unconditional ceasefire to pave the way for peace talks.

On Sunday, Vladimir Putin proposed that Kyiv resume direct negotiations in Istanbul starting on May 15.

“We do not rule out that during these talks it may be possible to agree on a new truce or ceasefire. I’m referring to a genuine ceasefire, one that would be observed not only by Russia but also by the Ukrainian side. This could be the first step, I emphasize, toward a lasting and sustainable peace – not a prelude to continued armed conflict,” Putin said.