Russia rejects temporary ceasefire, seeks lasting peace in Ukraine

Russian officials have reiterated that Moscow seeks a lasting peace settlement in Ukraine rather than a temporary ceasefire. Speaking at a UN Security Council meeting in New York, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that Russia is prepared for negotiations aimed at a durable and just peace, but emphasized that the country will not suspend its military operations during any talks.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov echoed this position, noting that Moscow is open to a peace process but rejects the idea of a mere temporary halt to hostilities. This stance comes in response to a joint statement from over fifty countries, including Slovakia, calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire to pave the way for substantive negotiations.

In a separate development, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that both Russia and Ukraine may have interests in a partial ceasefire specifically protecting energy facilities and grain shipments. Additionally, discussions regarding Vladimir Putin’s potential attendance at the upcoming G20 summit in Miami, Florida, remain ongoing.