Russia has rejected the idea of an energy truce, saying it is focused on achieving a comprehensive peace. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov also pointed to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s remarks on elections in Ukraine and praised new statements by U.S. President Donald Trump.
“First and foremost ... we are working on peace, not a truce. A sustainable, guaranteed, long-term peace, achieved by signing the relevant documents, is an absolute priority,” Peskov said on December 10, commenting during a briefing on the energy truce proposal, as reported by TASS.
Other key statements from Vladimir Putin’s press secretary:
- Zelensky’s statement about readiness to hold elections in Ukraine is “fairly new,” but Putin has “long spoken” about such a need. The Kremlin will watch how events unfold.
- The Kremlin studied Trump’s interview with Politico “very carefully.” “It’s a very important interview, important statements.”
- Trump’s remarks on NATO membership, territories, and how Ukraine is losing ground are “in tune” with Russia’s understanding.
- In the interview, Trump “touched precisely on the root causes” of the war in Ukraine. The alignment of his statements with Russia’s position is important “in terms of prospects for moving toward a peaceful settlement.”
Zelensky has said he would consider an energy truce if the Kremlin supports the idea. He also stressed that Ukraine is not negotiating with the aggressor state and that Russia is not interested in any peace process.
Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on December 10 that President Donald Trump is the only Western leader who understands the “root causes” of the war in Ukraine and agrees they must be eliminated. According to Lavrov, “the culmination of this whole story is coming now.”
