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Kremlin Responds to European Ceasefire Ultimatum, Threatens Further Cooperation
Amid escalating tensions, a top Kremlin spokesperson, similar to Vladimir Putin’s press secretary, has dismissed a European ultimatum demanding an unconditional 30-day ceasefire in the conflict, or face increased sanctions. European leaders, along with Ukraine, are pushing for a truce commencing next Monday.
Russia’s Reaction to Proposed Ceasefire
The ultimatum, supported by key European nations and the U.S., aims to halt hostilities by Monday across air, sea, and land. However, Moscow appears unmoved by the threat of further sanctions, asserting its ability to maintain international partnerships.
- European nations issued Russia an ultimatum to agree to an unconditional 30-day ceasefire or face more sanctions.
- The proposed ceasefire, supported by European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, would commence next Monday.
Dmitry Peskov’s Rebuttal: Sanctions Won’t Isolate Russia
Kremlin representative Dmitry Peskov downplayed the threat, stating that penalties would not isolate Russia due to its geographical size and expanding global partnerships. He outlined that despite the threat of sanctions, Russia will continue to actively develop relations with countries interested in cooperating with it.
“It is very difficult to isolate a country like Russia because we take a very large part of the globe. But this is not the main thing,” stated Mr. Peskov.
“The main thing is that Russia actively develops relations with a large number of countries in all directions where they have interest in developing cooperation with our country. And we will continue doing so.”
European Leaders Seek End to Hostilities
Leaders from France, Germany, and Poland joined a visit to Kyiv to deliberate on the proposed ceasefire with Mr. Zelensky. Following that, the European leaders held a phone call with the U.S. President, who voiced his support for the initiative.
Allies Urge Peaceful Resolution or Face “Massive” Sanctions
European allies, in conjunction with the U.S., are urging Russia towards de-escalation. Following the meeting British leaders vowed to escalate sanctions if the Russian President rejects the offer of peace. The call was for “no more ifs and buts, no more conditions and delays.”
Kremlin Accuses European Leaders of “Confrontational” Rhetoric
Despite these efforts, the Kremlin has criticized European leaders, claiming their statements are “contradictory” and not conducive to improved relations. Mr. Peskov expressed that “They are generally confrontational in nature rather than aimed at trying to revive our relations. Nothing more.”
He further emphasized, “We have to think this through. But trying to pressure us is quite useless,” as quoted by a state-run Russian news agency.
Accusations of Ceasefire Violations
Earlier, Russia had declared a brief ceasefire to align with celebrations honoring the end of WWII in Europe. However, Ukraine accused Russia of infringing upon this ceasefire, which Kyiv’s foreign minister dismissed as a “farce.”