Kremlin: Russian President Ready to Halt Attacks on Ukraine on Election Day

Moscow, October 12 (KUNA) -- The Russian presidency (the Kremlin) announced on Monday that Russian President Vladimir Putin is prepared to issue orders to halt attacks on Ukraine on the day of presidential elections, if Kyiv intends to hold them in earnest. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, speaking at a press conference, affirmed that Moscow seeks a long-term peace rather than a temporary ceasefire, and expressed appreciation for U.S. efforts aimed at resolving the crisis. He said that communications regarding a proposed ceasefire in the energy sector are still ongoing, and that Moscow will announce any developments as soon as they become available, adding that his country is seeking to take effective measures and find responsible solutions that pave the way for a peaceful resolution of the crisis. He noted that Russia had been ready to continue peace talks immediately after the conclusion of Russia’s Duma elections, but that Kyiv “launched intense and unprecedented strikes on Moscow.” Regarding the sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipeline, Peskov expressed hope that the judicial process concerning the explosion would be objective, predicting that the trial, scheduled to begin on October 14, would reveal the identities of those who carried out the operation and the entities that ordered it. The remarks came in response to a question about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s readiness to hold elections in the event of a 60-day ceasefire with Russia. Zelensky had previously, on Sunday, cited Russian attacks as part of his justification for not holding elections, following U.S. President Donald Trump’s call for a new presidential election in Ukraine. (End) D.A.N./F.L.A.