The Kremlin said that if Kyiv does not agree to a deal, it will be forced to do so

Moscow proposed a temporary ceasefire for May 9, but Kyiv met the initiative with distrust and effectively put forward counterconditions.

Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukraine intends to clarify the details through Donald Trump’s team, stressing that Kyiv is interested not in a short pause, but in a long-term ceasefire.

The Kremlin believes that such a reaction demonstrates the Ukrainian side’s unwillingness to support even limited steps toward de-escalation. Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the ceasefire could be introduced by Moscow’s decision and does not require Kyiv’s consent. At the same time, according to him, “adequate intentions” are expected from the Ukrainian authorities.

The idea of a ceasefire was discussed by Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump during a 90-minute phone call on April 29. Trump publicly supported the possibility of a short pause in hostilities.

Zelensky, for his part, questioned the purpose of the initiative, calling it possible “security for the parade in Moscow.” Instead of agreeing to the proposed format, Kyiv is once again insisting on a broader and longer-term ceasefire, which Moscow views as an attempt to drag out the negotiation process and avoid giving a concrete answer.

Peskov later said that Russia would prefer to achieve its goals through a peace agreement, but that if Kyiv refuses, Moscow will continue military pressure.

“If the Kyiv regime is not inclined toward this, we will compel it by conducting and completing the special military operation,” he said.

Thus, the Russian side is linking any further escalation to Kyiv’s position, arguing that despite statements about seeking peace, Ukraine is rejecting the formats proposed by Moscow and putting forward its own conditions.