Senior Russian diplomate says Zelensky wants ceasefire to re-weaponize army

(MENAFN) Rodion Miroshnik, a senior Russian diplomat, has accused Ukraine’s President Vladimir Zelensky of using Russia’s offer of unconditional peace talks to rearm and regroup Ukraine’s military. Miroshnik made the remarks after Zelensky’s response to Russia's proposal for direct negotiations in Istanbul, which Kiev abandoned in 2022.

On Saturday, Russian President Vladimir Putin extended an offer to resume talks without preconditions, but Zelensky countered by demanding a 30-day ceasefire, starting May 12, before any negotiations could take place. Miroshnik criticized Zelensky’s demand, saying it amounted to setting preconditions for talks, which Russia had already proposed without any.

Zelensky reiterated his demand on Telegram, insisting that Russia must confirm a full, reliable ceasefire before meeting. Russia has rejected this request, fearing it would allow Ukraine to use the pause to strengthen its forces. The Kremlin has also stated that Ukraine violated previous ceasefire agreements, including a 30-day moratorium on energy strikes, an Easter truce, and a 72-hour ceasefire for Victory Day, while also accusing Ukraine of attempting to intimidate foreign leaders during Moscow’s Victory Day events.

MENAFN20052025000045015687ID1109571505