Russia agrees to a one-day truce only

Russia agrees to only one-day truce for voting

Russia is ready to cease hostilities for only one day to organise and hold a national vote, but does not support a long 60-day truce. This was reported by the Axios with reference to sources familiar with the position of the parties.

According to journalists, Moscow views the short-term ceasefire as a technical measure necessary for the voting procedure. At the same time, the Russian side does not support the proposal for a two-month pause in hostilities.

Ukraine's position

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has previously stressed that it is a lasting ceasefire - at least 60 days - that can create the conditions for a genuine political settlement and the safe conduct of any democratic procedures.

Kyiv believes that a one-day pause cannot guarantee either the safety of citizens or the legitimacy of potential voting in a time of war.

What it means

The difference in the parties' approaches demonstrates the persistence of deep disagreements over the conditions for even a temporary cessation of hostilities. A short ceasefire can only be symbolic or procedural, while a long-term pause is seen by Ukraine as a necessary precondition for the diplomatic process.

Context.

The topic of a possible ceasefire regularly comes up in international negotiations to end the war. Ukraine's Western partners have repeatedly stressed that any ceasefire must be accompanied by real security guarantees and political agreements, otherwise it risks becoming just a pause before a new escalation.