Moscow: Russia has dismissed proposals for a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine, rejecting suggestions for a one-month halt to hostilities, including an end to air and naval attacks.
The proposals, put forward by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron, were aimed at creating conditions for potential peace negotiations.
Amid increasing international pressure for a truce, U.S. President Donald Trump has halted arms and intelligence support for Ukraine, significantly weakening Kyiv’s ability to defend itself against Russian advances.
Zelensky has urged for an immediate cessation of aerial and maritime attacks as an initial step toward broader peace talks. Macron, in an interview with Le Figaro, revealed that France and the UK were advocating for a temporary one-month ceasefire focused on limiting strikes on energy infrastructure, air, and naval operations.
However, Moscow firmly rejected these proposals on Thursday. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated that a temporary truce without a comprehensive peace agreement was "unacceptable." She accused Ukraine of seeking a pause solely to regroup and strengthen its military capabilities with Western assistance.
Russian officials have reiterated their hardline stance, refusing to give up occupied Ukrainian territories, opposing any European-led peacekeeping force, and demanding a reduction of NATO’s presence in Europe.
The suspension of U.S. military aid under Trump’s leadership has deepened concerns in Kyiv and among European allies that Ukraine may be pressured into accepting a settlement that favors Russia.
