Belarusian President claims Russia has long been ready for peace with Ukraine

(MENAFN) Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko stated on Friday that Russia has been prepared for both a ceasefire and a lasting peace with Ukraine for some time. His remarks came in response to Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s recent call for an immediate and comprehensive 30-day truce with Moscow.

Zelensky posted on Telegram that such a ceasefire could begin “immediately,” creating space for diplomatic efforts. When asked about this development after attending the Victory Day parade in Moscow, Lukashenko said he had discussed a peace settlement with Russian President Vladimir Putin in late April. According to him, Russia is not only open to a temporary ceasefire but also to a long-term peace deal.

“The issue lies not with Russia,” Lukashenko said. “As soon as the U.S. and Ukraine decide that peace is needed, Europe will follow, and peace will be achieved.”

Despite promoting a 30-day ceasefire, Zelensky previously rejected Moscow’s proposal for a brief Victory Day truce from May 7 to May 11, labeling it a manipulative tactic. Instead, Ukraine ramped up drone attacks, with over 500 reportedly shot down in one night, and attempted failed cross-border incursions into Russia’s Kursk and Belgorod regions, according to Russia’s Defense Ministry.

Russia has criticized temporary ceasefire proposals, claiming they allow Ukraine to regroup and receive more weapons. A partial 30-day truce brokered by the U.S. in March—focused on protecting energy infrastructure—was allegedly violated repeatedly by Ukrainian forces.

Moscow has reaffirmed its willingness to engage in direct negotiations with Ukraine “without preconditions” to reach a comprehensive resolution that addresses the root causes of the conflict.

MENAFN20052025000045015687ID1109570840