At a Berlin summit, Russia’s Dmitry Peskov dismissed a proposed ceasefire that would give Ukraine a brief respite, insisting Moscow would only consider such a pause under conditions that undermine a lasting settlement.
Kremlin Rejects “Christmas‑Time” Ceasefire
Dmitry Peskov said Russia does not want a truce that would let Ukraine regroup and prepare for further conflict. He criticized the idea as a holiday pause rather than a path to peace.
“We do not want a ceasefire that would give Ukraine breathing room and enable it to continue the war,” Peskov said, echoing earlier Kremlin statements that a pause would only be considered if Ukraine focused on short‑term, unachievable solutions, not on a durable agreement.
Berlin Summit Proposes Multi‑Nation Forces
European leaders suggested forming multinational forces, led by Europe and backed by the United States, to enforce a peace deal in Ukraine.
They announced in a joint statement that Ukraine’s armed forces should continue to receive broad support and maintain a strength of 800,000 soldiers during peacetime. Territorial concessions, if any, were said to be a matter for Ukraine alone.
European Plan Includes US‑Led Monitoring
The proposal includes a U.S.‑led monitoring and verification mechanism to spot violations and provide early warning of future attacks.
Officials said the mechanism would serve as part of a “solid guarantee of security” for Ukraine from the United States and European states.
German Chancellor Says First Ceasefire Is Possible
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz wrote that for the first time since the war began, a ceasefire could be possible. He called for a joint path to peace with Ukraine, European neighbors, and the U.S.
The statement was signed by leaders of the United Kingdom, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden, and by the Presidents of the European Council and Commission.
