Rus: "Ceasefire Declaration Possible Tomorrow If Zelensky Decides"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Dmitry Peskov, spokesperson for the Russian Kremlin, stated that if Ukraine shows the will, Russia could immediately move toward a ceasefire, drawing attention to the background of this remark. Amid observations that behind-the-scenes negotiations for a ceasefire are ongoing, primarily led by the United States and Western intelligence agencies, all eyes are on whether Russia, facing difficulties on the battlefield, will engage more actively in ceasefire talks going forward.

According to Russia's TASS news agency on the 8th (local time), Peskov said at a press briefing that "If Ukraine shows political will, the conflict could end as soon as tomorrow," adding, "How long the war continues depends on the will of President Volodymyr Zelensky." He further emphasized, "The main goal of the conflict is to protect the residents of the Donbas region."

Although there were no specific remarks regarding negotiations, as the situation worsens for Russian forces on key Ukrainian fronts, behind-the-scenes talks to arrange a ceasefire negotiation table are ongoing. Earlier, on the 15th of last month, President Zelensky, attending the Group of Twenty (G20) summit, suggested the possibility of ceasefire talks by stating, "Now is the time to end the war with Russia," and "The war between the two countries will definitely conclude in 2023."

Peskov said, "President Zelensky is the one who most clearly and distinctly understands whether a ceasefire is possible at any time," and stressed, "The longer this difficult time drags on, the less it will help resolve the problem," urging that a ceasefire should be declared as soon as possible.

However, criticism has emerged that Russia may not genuinely desire a ceasefire but is instead employing a strategy to delay the Ukrainian advance during the winter months, when actual combat becomes more difficult due to worsening battlefield conditions. The U.S. Institute for the Study of War (ISW) analyzed, "While the Russian government urges Ukraine toward ceasefire negotiations, it insists that Ukraine must be demilitarized and has not changed its initial war aims," adding, "By dragging out time, it aims to reverse the deteriorating public opinion within Russia."