Moscow [Russia], December 10: Following US President-elect Donald Trump’s call for an “immediate ceasefire” in Ukraine, the Kremlin expressed openness to negotiations and welcomed peace initiatives, particularly from Global South nations and BRICS partners.
In a statement shared on X, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reiterated Russia’s willingness to engage in dialogue. “We have carefully read the statement by US President-elect Donald Trump after his meeting with Macron and Zelenskyy in Paris. Russia is open to negotiations on Ukraine and welcomes peace initiatives. The conditions required to cease hostilities were laid out by President Putin,” the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs posted.
Trump’s Call for Ceasefire and Negotiations
On December 7, Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris during the reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral. After the meeting, Trump called for immediate action to end the conflict. “There should be an immediate ceasefire and negotiations should begin. Too many lives are being needlessly wasted, too many families destroyed,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Russia’s Stance on Peace Talks
Peskov emphasized that Russia has consistently been open to peace talks but accused Ukraine of rejecting dialogue. “Our stance on Ukraine is well known. The conditions required to cease hostilities were laid out by President Putin earlier this year,” the statement read.
The Kremlin criticized Ukrainian President Zelenskyy for blocking negotiations, citing a decree that prohibits his administration from engaging with Russian leadership. “Zelensky must revoke this decree and resume dialogue based on the agreements made in Istanbul, taking into account current realities on the ground,” Peskov added.
Russia also acknowledged efforts by BRICS partners—China, Brazil, South Africa—and countries from the Global South, including the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, in pursuing peace and humanitarian solutions.
Background on the Russia-Ukraine Conflict
The Russia-Ukraine conflict, which began with Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014, escalated into a full-scale war in February 2022 following Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine. Despite ongoing international efforts, peace remains elusive as hostilities continue to claim lives and devastate communities.