‘Peace, not a ceasefire’: Kremlin rejects idea of halting fighting in Ukraine

The Kremlin spokesperson claimed that Moscow is “open to a peaceful settlement process” but believes it is necessary to “strive for peace, not a temporary ceasefire.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously said Ukraine was prepared to halt strikes on Russian oil refineries if Russia, in turn, stopped attacks on Ukraine’s critical infrastructure, food exports and energy sector.

In New York on Sept. 22, Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine’s readiness for any form of reciprocal energy ceasefire with Russia.

Zelenskyy also said three types of ceasefires with Russia were under discussion: energy, grain and maritime.

Meanwhile, the Institute for the Study of War said in its Sept. 23 report that Russia had effectively rejected a U.S.-Ukrainian proposal for an energy ceasefire, which the analysts said demonstrated the Kremlin’s unwillingness to engage in constructive peace negotiations.

Citing statements by Vladimir Putin and Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, ISW assessed that the Kremlin remains unwilling to agree to a ceasefire or peace deal that does not meet Russia’s maximalist demands in Ukraine.