Russia Rejects Zelenskyy’s 60-Day Truce Plan, Insists on Long-Term Peace Deal

Kremlin Rejects Zelenskyy’s 60-Day Truce Offer, Says Russia Wants Lasting Peace

Russia has turned down Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s proposal for a 60-day ceasefire to facilitate presidential elections in Ukraine, with the Kremlin insisting that Moscow wants a long-term peace agreement rather than a temporary pause in fighting.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov announced the position on Monday, responding to Zelenskyy’s appeal for a two-month halt in hostilities. The Ukrainian leader made the proposal during an interview with ABC’s This Week on Sunday, following US President Donald Trump’s call for Ukraine to elect a new president.

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

Peskov, however, said Moscow was seeking a more comprehensive settlement. “We want long-term peace and are prepared to do everything possible to achieve it,” he told reporters.

Zelenskyy Raises Concerns Over Wartime Elections

Zelenskyy has argued that holding presidential elections while the war continues would be difficult because of security risks and practical challenges. He has also maintained that elections under the current circumstances would violate Ukrainian law and the Constitution.

The Ukrainian president stressed that the country’s citizens must decide who leads them. However, Ukraine’s legislation prohibits elections while martial law remains in force.

Moscow has repeatedly challenged Zelenskyy’s legitimacy because Ukraine has not conducted presidential elections during the war. Kyiv maintains that the legal restrictions remain applicable under the current conditions.

Ukraine Proposes Halting Attacks on Energy Infrastructure

Zelenskyy has also renewed his offer to suspend Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries and diesel facilities if Moscow agrees to stop targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

According to the Ukrainian president, he discussed the proposal with US President Donald Trump and his team, presenting a reciprocal halt to energy-related strikes as a potential first 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.

He also called for increased pressure on Russia to end the conflict, citing continued attacks on Ukrainian civilian areas and critical energy infrastructure.

Russia and Ukraine Remain Divided on Ceasefire Terms

The Kremlin’s rejection underscores the differences between Moscow and Kyiv over how negotiations should proceed. Zelenskyy has proposed a temporary truce to create conditions for elections and expressed willingness to halt attacks on energy facilities in return for similar action by Russia.

Moscow, meanwhile, has reiterated its preference for a broader peace settlement instead of a limited ceasefire.

The exchange comes as diplomatic efforts to end the war continue to face significant obstacles, with the two sides yet to reach an agreement on the terms of a sustained cessation of hostilities.