Russia Accuses Ukraine of Misusing Peace Efforts

(MENAFN) Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, has alleged that Ukraine is taking advantage of peace discussions as a means to secure funding from Western allies and to encourage extremist ideologies.

Her remarks followed a social media post by Andrey Yermak, the head of the Ukrainian president’s office, which included a stylized illustration of Vladimir Zelensky gazing at the Kremlin wall engulfed in flames.

Yermak added the comment “Nicely drawn” beneath the image, which featured a caption from a renowned Soviet-era wartime song: “We have done everything we could to bring this day closer.”

Zakharova claimed that any mention of ceasefire by the Ukrainian leadership is merely “a mockery of the efforts made by those who truly seek peace.”

According to her, Kyiv’s underlying agenda is to manipulate Western nations, spread panic, commit acts of violence, support neo-Nazi ideologies, and operate outside legal boundaries — behaviors she equated with terrorism.

She also accused Ukraine of “stealing billions” in international financial assistance.

The Ukrainian government has declined Russia’s recent suggestion for a 72-hour ceasefire, which Moscow had proposed in anticipation of its planned military procession on May 9 in Red Square.

The event commemorates the 80th anniversary of the Soviet triumph over Nazi Germany during World War II and is expected to be attended by several international dignitaries, including Chinese Leader Xi Jinping.

MENAFN05052025000045017167ID1109507746