Moscow. Russia has made it clear that it will not reduce the intensity of the ongoing attack on Ukraine. However, Moscow has stated that it is ready for a limited-term ceasefire at the local level for humanitarian purposes.
According to the Kremlin, preparations are underway for a ceasefire in the Russian-controlled city of Oleshki in Ukraine. In addition, Russia has also stated that it is ready for a short-term humanitarian ceasefire on the front line.
A ceasefire will be implemented in the southern Ukrainian city of Oleshki from Tuesday morning. This agreement was reached through the mediation of the American first lady, Melania Trump. It was revealed that the residents of the city have been facing severe shortage of food, water and medicine for months.
Asked by reporters whether Russia might consider local ceasefires elsewhere, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: “For humanitarian purposes, of course.”
However, even though preparations are underway to resume the tripartite talks, which were halted next month under the mediation of the United States, Russia has made it clear that there will be no reduction in overall military operations. “The decision to resume the trilateral talks does not mean any restrictions on military operations,” Peskov said.
He said that the Russian armed forces continue to attack Ukraine’s military and industrial infrastructure.
In the last few weeks, Russia has intensified drone and missile attacks targeting major cities and energy infrastructure in Ukraine. According to Ukrainian officials, these attacks are aimed at plunging the country into cold and darkness throughout the winter.
Due to similar attacks last year, when the temperature dropped to minus 20 degrees Celsius, millions of people were deprived of heating and electricity facilities. Representatives of Russia and Ukraine are scheduled to meet with US representatives next month to discuss ways to end Europe’s worst conflict since World War II.
The previous rounds of talks did not reach any agreement. Russia has been demanding to maintain its control over more territory in eastern Ukraine and to impose extensive military and political sanctions on Ukraine.
Ukraine and its allies consider the Russian demand as surrender. According to them, accepting those demands would put Ukraine at risk of future Russian attacks. -AFP