Russia Seeks Lasting, Documented Peace in Ukraine, Not a Temporary Ceasefire – AL24 News

Russia’s top priority is securing a lasting and sustainable peace in Ukraine rather than pursuing a short-term ceasefire, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said during a briefing on Wednesday. Responding to Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s recent statement about Kiev’s readiness to negotiate what he called an “energy truce,” Peskov underscored that Moscow’s focus remains on a comprehensive and durable settlement. “We are working on peace, not a ceasefire,” he said, stressing that only a fully documented agreement can guarantee long-term stability.

Zelensky had earlier announced that Kiev was preparing a proposal for an energy-focused truce mechanism, suggesting that the initiative required Russian participation. Moscow, however, signaled skepticism over Kiev’s intentions, pointing to past unilateral steps taken by Russia that were not reciprocated. Peskov reiterated that sustainable peace — achieved through formal agreements — is Russia’s absolute priority and that temporary arrangements falling short of this goal do not align with the Kremlin’s strategic outlook.

Russian officials also noted that Kiev appears to have disregarded the unilateral moratorium Russia introduced in the spring on strikes targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure. While Moscow halted attacks on facilities supplying fuel and power to Ukrainian forces, Ukrainian armed units continued to strike infrastructure across at least 15 Russian regions. This, Russian authorities argue, undermines Kiev’s credibility in proposing a new mechanism related to energy infrastructure protection.