Russian ultra nationalists and officials have rejected the idea of a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine, showing strong opposition to recent peace talks between the United States and Ukraine. While Kremlin controlled media is attempting to present Russia’s stance as neutral, many pro war figures have openly criticised the proposal. Analysts from the Institute for the Study of War examined the ceasefire discussions that took place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where Washington and Kyiv agreed to a thirty day truce if Moscow gives its approval. The agreement would cover the entire front line, the Black Sea, and ban missile and drone strikes. The US Secretary of State has called for a quick response from Russia, but so far, the Kremlin has remained silent.
Despite the lack of an official statement from the Kremlin, Russian military figures and lawmakers have strongly opposed the ceasefire. State Duma deputy and former commander of the 58th Army, Viktor Sobolev, declared that any pause in fighting would allow Ukraine to regroup and rearm. Pro war bloggers, known as “Z bloggers,” who are close to the Kremlin, have claimed that Ukraine and the West would be the first to break the ceasefire and that Russia’s war against Ukraine is “existential.”
Meanwhile, Russian state controlled television networks have been cautious in their coverage. Official spokesperson Maria Zakharova previously stated that Russia does not rule out future discussions with the United States, but there has been no confirmation of direct negotiations regarding the ceasefire. While some Russian officials claim that Moscow is open to a resolution, they insist that any agreement must be on Russia’s terms.
State Duma deputy Mikhail Sheremet said that Russia “will not allow itself to be deceived” and accused Ukraine of attempting to blackmail Moscow by launching drone attacks before peace discussions. Konstantin Kosachev, Vice Speaker of the Federation Council, dismissed Ukraine’s role in the negotiations, claiming that “agreements will only be made on Russian terms, not American ones.” These statements suggest that the Kremlin is unlikely to accept any truce that does not offer major concessions to Russia.
The overall response from Russian nationalists and political figures makes it clear that Moscow has no interest in ending its invasion of Ukraine. Despite US efforts to broker a pause in hostilities, the Kremlin’s hardline supporters continue to push for the war to continue without compromise.
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