Kremlin cynically rejects Christmas truce with Ukraine
Photo: Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov (Getty Images)
Moscow has cynically rejected the idea of a Christmas ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia proposed by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in comments to Russian media.
According to him, further developments will depend on what US President Donald Trump says — whether Russia and Ukraine reach an agreement or not.
Peskov stated that "Russia’s position on this issue is well known, consistent, transparent, and understandable to both the American side and the Ukrainian side."
"We want peace, we do not want a ceasefire that would give Ukraine time to rest and prepare to continue the war," the spokesman for Russian dictator Vladimir Putin cynically said.
Peskov added that the Kremlin allegedly seeks "to achieve its goals and stop the war," without specifying that Russia itself launched the hostilities against Ukraine.
What came before
It should be recalled that yesterday in Berlin, German Chancellor Merz called on Russia to declare a Christmas ceasefire. He expressed confidence that this could become a prelude to a permanent ceasefire.
"Perhaps the Russian leadership still has at least a drop of human dignity left and will allow people to live in peace at Christmas. Now it depends solely on Russia whether a ceasefire can be achieved by Christmas," Merz said.
The proposal was supported by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who emphasized that much depends on Russia’s political will.
"The United States supports this idea, and I, as President of Ukraine, certainly support it as well. I believe that an energy ceasefire is reasonable — any ceasefire," the Ukrainian president said.
Talks in Berlin
On the evening of December 15, a two-day summit on Ukraine concluded in Berlin, attended by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, EU leaders, and US envoys Steve Witkoff and US President’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.
Following the meeting, European leaders issued a joint statement on security guarantees and Ukraine’s reconstruction.
Media outlets also reported that Trump was satisfied with the progress of the talks between the Ukrainian and US delegations, with most issues reportedly resolved.
For more details on what Ukraine discussed with the United States and Europe and whether there has been progress on a peace plan, read the RBC-Ukraine report.
