Russia offers one-day halt to strikes in Ukraine for election, rejects 60-day truce

The Kremlin on Monday said Russian President Vladimir Putin would be prepared to order a one-day halt to strikes on Ukraine to allow the country to hold a presidential election, rejecting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's proposal for a 60-day ceasefire. "If they truly want to hold elections in Kyiv, then the president of Russia, the commander-in-chief, will be ready to give an order not to launch strikes on Ukraine on election day, specifically on election day," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said. Zelenskyy proposed a 60-day ceasefire on Sunday to give Ukraine time to organise presidential elections, including the campaign and voting process. Peskov's remarks indicate that Moscow is unwilling to agree to a longer pause in hostilities for the election. Kremlin says it wants lasting peace, not a ceasefire Peskov reiterated Moscow's position that it wants a long-term peace agreement rather than a temporary cessation of fighting. "The Kremlin, the president, has said many times before, we don't want a ceasefire, we want a lasting peace, and we're willing to do whatever's possible for that," he told reporters. Ukraine has previously accused Russia of violating temporary truces agreed between the two sides. Russia gives no details on energy ceasefire contacts Peskov also declined to provide details about discussions concerning US President Donald Trump's announced energy ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. Asked whether an agreement had been reached, Peskov said: "Contacts are continuing. As soon as we have anything to say about this, we will definitely inform you." He did not confirm whether Moscow had agreed to the proposed halt to attacks on energy infrastructure or provide further details about the ongoing contacts.