Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated today, when asked about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's support for a Christmas ceasefire, particularly concerning attacks on energy infrastructure, "The question now is whether we will reach an agreement as US President Donald Trump mentioned."

According to Peskov, Russia is unlikely to participate in such a ceasefire if Ukraine focuses on "short-term, unfeasible solutions" instead of a long-term agreement.

"We want peace. We do not want a ceasefire merely to give Ukraine a break and allow it to prepare for continued hostilities," Peskov said. "We want to end this war, achieve our objectives, protect our interests, and ensure future peace in Europe."

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov in Moscow on 10/5. Photo: AFP

The Kremlin spokesperson added that Russia has not yet reviewed the details of the NATO-style security guarantee proposals for Ukraine, which US and European officials said Washington offered to provide.

During a media exchange with President Zelensky on 15/12, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated there is currently a small but realistic opportunity for a ceasefire in Ukraine.

When asked if a truce could be reached before Christmas, Merz replied that it depends entirely on Russia. He urged Russia to halt its attacks, at least during the Christmas period, to initiate negotiations for a genuine ceasefire agreement.

Zelensky expressed agreement and indicated that the US also supports this idea. "I believe an energy-related ceasefire is reasonable, and we will support any ceasefire. We also support European and US steps to end hostilities," Zelensky said.

By Huyen Le (Reuters, Kyiv Independent, Ukrinform)