Russia’s Foreign Minister has confirmed that the Kremlin is no longer interested in agreeing to a ceasefire in Ukraine under the principle of “first a ceasefire, then negotiations”. Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to call for a long term cessation of hostilities.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov made clear Russia’s rejection of a ceasefire in Ukraine during a discussion with students at the Russian Armenian University in Yerevan. As reported by The Moscow Times, this statement has been covered by UNN.
Lavrov described calls for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire as part of a tactic he mocked: “Let’s have a ceasefire – and then we’ll see.”
“We have already been in these stories. We do not want to do that anymore,” said the Russian diplomat.
He further described the long term ceasefire proposed by Ukraine and its European partners as merely one part of what he framed as preparations for “concrete steps towards a long term sustainable settlement” in Ukraine.
Background
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, following a phone call with United States leader Donald Trump, claimed Moscow was willing to discuss a potential peace deal with Ukraine. According to him, Russia intends to propose a memorandum that would outline settlement principles, potential agreement terms, and conditions for a temporary ceasefire.
Later, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commented that such a memorandum could be a preliminary step before a formal agreement to end the full scale war. He stressed that any such document must include a provision mandating a ceasefire. However, he pointed out that Russia is not showing any genuine intent to stop its war efforts.
“The Russians Are Not Giving Signals About a Ceasefire” – Zelenskyy
In his evening address, President Zelenskyy said that Russia continues to show no sign of willingness to stop the war, underlining the need for sustained pressure on Moscow.
“Unfortunately, the Russians are not giving signals about a ceasefire, and they are not ready to end the war yet. So all our forms of pressure, all our work with partners to apply pressure on Russia, is absolutely necessary. Pressure convinces. Pressure on the battlefield. Pressure in the economy, which is what sanctions are for. Pressure in politics,” Zelenskyy said.
He added that Ukraine’s Minister of Defence, Rustem Umerov, had provided updates on cooperation with international partners concerning new arms supplies.
“We are also actively working to attract investment into domestic production in Ukraine. Our production will only increase, and this is our long term security guarantee,” Zelenskyy concluded.
President Zelenskyy also held a detailed conversation with European Council President António Costa, during which he shared updates on Ukraine’s diplomatic efforts and discussed potential next steps.
