**Kremlin Rejects 30-Day Ceasefire, Citing Advantage to Ukraine**
In a recent interview with ABC News, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov rejected the idea of a 30-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. According to Peskov, granting such an advantage would allow Ukraine to continue its mobilization efforts, train new troops, and rest existing ones.
Peskov claimed that Russia wants shipments of Western weapons to Ukraine to stop, and that without a clear resolution to the war, Putin “has to” continue the fighting. This stance is in stark contrast to President Volodymyr Zelensky’s repeated calls for a 30-day ceasefire. Zelensky has argued that previous three-day ceasefires proposed by Russia were mere “theatrical” gestures, with Ukrainian soldiers on the front line experiencing multiple instances of Russian attacks.
**International Pressure Mounts**
As international pressure continues to mount against Russia, world leaders are calling for a longer ceasefire. French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk arrived in Kyiv on May 10 as a show of support for Ukraine.
US President Donald Trump has also shown signs of growing frustration with Russia, despite having previously praised Putin’s efforts in peace negotiations. On May 8, Trump called for an “unconditional” 30-day ceasefire, warning that if the agreement was not respected, the US and its partners would impose further sanctions.
**Sanctions on the Table**
In his statement, Trump emphasized the importance of securing a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine, working together with European leaders. The threat of additional sanctions serves as a reminder to Russia that the international community is watching and will take action if necessary.
Peskov’s rejection of the 30-day ceasefire highlights the complex and contentious nature of the conflict. As negotiations continue, it remains to be seen whether Russia will reconsider its stance on a longer ceasefire or face increased pressure from the international community.
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