Kremlin Undermines Trump's Truce: We Want Peace, Not a Ceasefire

Moscow-Kyiv-Agencies: Russia yesterday refrained from confirming the implementation of an agreement with Ukraine to halt mutual attacks on energy facilities, following U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement that such an accord had been reached. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told journalists, “Communications are ongoing. As soon as we have something to say on this matter, we will make sure to inform you.” In response to a separate question about Kyiv’s call for a 60-day comprehensive ceasefire to allow for elections, Peskov told reporters, “We do not want a ceasefire; we want a long-term peace.”

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky affirmed yesterday that his country would respond if Moscow did not agree to the “energy truce” announced unilaterally by U.S. President Donald Trump at the end of last week. Speaking via video link at the Warsaw Security Forum, Zelensky said, “Unless Russia agrees to an energy truce, we will respond.”

Trump caused confusion by announcing an energy truce between the two countries without providing any details, a move that was met with surprise in Kyiv, silence from Moscow, and support from Ukraine’s Western allies. Zelensky stated, “We are waiting to receive details of the talks between the Americans and the Russians, and we are waiting to learn the specific steps the Americans are preparing to take.”