Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky posted a video on Telegram on 24/12, wishing people a joyful Christmas season and praying for peace. However, Zelensky also wished for an unnamed person to "perish", which Russian media interpreted as an allusion to President Vladimir Putin.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov commented on the message on 25/12, stating that the Ukrainian president's remarks were "uncivilized, hostile, and seemingly from someone mentally unstable".

"People must also ask themselves whether he is capable of making any rational decisions towards a political and diplomatic solution", Peskov said.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov in Moscow on 17/3. Photo: Reuters

In recent weeks, Russian and Ukrainian delegations have held separate talks with the US regarding proposals to end the conflict, which has lasted nearly four years. The Russia-Ukraine conflict has claimed tens of thousands of lives, devastated many areas in Ukraine, and forced millions to leave their homes and seek asylum in other European countries.

President Zelensky has unveiled a draft 20-point peace plan, which Ukraine and the US drafted. The plan encompasses various issues, ranging from post-conflict territorial settlements and security commitments Kyiv seeks, to a reconstruction plan for Ukraine.

Russia stated it is analyzing this plan. President Putin has repeatedly declared Russia's readiness to negotiate, but emphasized that any solution must address the root causes of the conflict and reflect the territorial realities on the ground.

Ngoc Anh (According to RT, TASS, Moscow Times)