Russia Rejects Zelenskyy’s 60-Day Ceasefire Proposal, Says It Wants Lasting Peace Instead

Russia Rejects Zelenskyy’s 60-Day Ceasefire Proposal, Calls for Lasting Peace

The Kremlin has rejected Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s proposal for a 60-day ceasefire to facilitate presidential elections in Ukraine, insisting that Moscow is seeking a comprehensive and long-term peace agreement rather than a temporary suspension of hostilities.

Zelenskyy made the proposal during an interview with ABC’s This Week on Sunday, responding to US President Donald Trump’s call for Ukraine to elect a new leader.

“Give us two months, 60 days of total ceasefire, and we will organise elections,” Zelenskyy said, urging Russian President Vladimir Putin to agree to a temporary halt in fighting.

However, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed the proposal, stating that Russia was not interested in a ceasefire alone. “We want long-term peace and are prepared to do everything possible to achieve it,” he told reporters on Monday.

Zelenskyy Says Wartime Elections Pose Challenges

Zelenskyy has maintained that holding presidential elections while the war continues would create serious security and logistical challenges. He has also argued that conducting elections under the current circumstances would conflict with Ukraine’s laws and Constitution.

The Ukrainian president stressed that the decision regarding the country’s leadership ultimately rests with its citizens. Under Ukrainian law, elections are prohibited while martial law remains in force.

Russia has repeatedly questioned Zelenskyy’s legitimacy because Ukraine has not held presidential elections during the war. Kyiv, however, maintains that the legal restrictions on wartime elections remain in effect.

Zelenskyy Offers Reciprocal Halt to Energy Attacks

Alongside his proposal for a 60-day ceasefire, Zelenskyy reiterated that Ukraine was prepared to stop attacking Russian oil refineries and diesel infrastructure if Moscow halted strikes against Ukraine’s energy facilities.

He said he had discussed the proposal with Trump and his team, describing a reciprocal suspension of attacks on energy infrastructure as a possible initial step towards reducing hostilities.

“If they want energy ceasefire, we are open for this. Don’t attack us. Don’t kill our children. We will stop attack your diesel,” Zelenskyy said.

The proposal comes amid continued concerns over attacks on energy infrastructure and their impact on civilians. Zelenskyy has argued that Russia must face greater pressure to end the conflict, pointing to continued strikes on Ukrainian civilian targets and energy facilities.

Moscow Insists on a Comprehensive Peace Agreement

The Kremlin’s response highlights the continuing differences between Moscow and Kyiv over the terms and scope of a possible agreement.

While Zelenskyy has proposed a temporary ceasefire to enable elections and suggested a separate halt to energy attacks, Russia has reiterated its preference for a longer-term settlement.

The competing proposals underline the challenges facing diplomatic efforts to end the war, with both sides yet to agree on the conditions for a sustained cessation of hostilities.