Zelensky Accuses Kremlin of Ceasefire Trickery

Two hands shaking in front of Russian and Chinese flags

Kremlin signals Ukraine peace talks advancing under Trump administration, but demands Donbas withdrawal expose Moscow’s unyielding stance amid Zelensky’s accusations of bad faith.

Story Snapshot

Trilateral US-Russia-Ukraine talks show progress on humanitarian issues like prisoner exchanges, with Kremlin welcoming continued American mediation.[1][2]
President Putin ready to meet Zelensky anytime once groundwork completes, as Peskov highlights some advancements in discussions.[2]
Trump team negotiators like Witkoff push forward, reducing 28-point proposal to 22 with favorable resolutions, aiming for deal closure.[7]
Kremlin insists Ukraine must withdraw from Donbas before trilateral format resumes, calling current dialogue a waste of time.[3][5]
Zelensky charges Russia uses ceasefires tactically, violating them immediately while pursuing expansion beyond Donbas.[3]

Kremlin Welcomes US-Led Diplomacy

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated Tuesday that Russia favors achieving its special military operation goals through political and diplomatic means.[1] Peskov emphasized implementation of agreements from initial trilateral rounds, including prisoner exchanges and body transfers of fallen soldiers.[1] He affirmed President Vladimir Putin remains open to dialogue and would meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at any time in Moscow or elsewhere once negotiations advance to final stages.[2] Peskov noted some progress in trilateral discussions and welcomed ongoing US mediation efforts.[2][8]

Peskov described the US desire for quick results as understandable but stressed root causes demand time.[4] Russia views a peace deal as needing direct resolution with Ukraine, not solely Washington.[4] These statements align with Trump administration actions, where negotiators addressed 28 points, resolving many favorably.[7] President Trump indicated Russia would concede by halting advances, signaling potential closure.[7]

Russian Preconditions Stall Progress

Three rounds of US-Russia-Ukraine talks occurred, with a fourth postponed due to US operations against Iran.[3] Putin aide Yuri Ushakov deemed trilateral format inappropriate until Ukraine withdraws troops from Donbas areas it controls.[3][5] Ushakov called further dialogue unnecessary and a waste of time under current conditions.[3] Peskov confirmed talks paused as US priorities shifted, referencing complications in organizing trilateral meetings.[5]

Russia seeks recognition of occupied lands, full control of claimed regions like Donbas, Ukraine’s NATO neutrality, military limits, and sanction relief.[6] Putin outlined these ceasefire terms, demanding Ukraine’s demilitarization and protection for Russian speakers.[6] Peskov called claims of imminent peace premature, warning external actors might derail developments.[7] A recent Easter-linked pause served humanitarian purposes but underscored Moscow’s push for lasting peace via Zelensky decisions.[8]

Zelensky Counters with Insincerity Claims

Zelensky accused Russia of seeking parade permissions under ceasefire guise to resume killing afterward. Reports documented Russian violations hours into a declared May 8-9 truce, with explosions and drones north of Moscow. Ukrainian officials view Kremlin ultimatums as revealing expansionist aims beyond Donbas control.[3] Secretary of State Marco Rubio refuted Zelensky claims on US security guarantees, tying them to war’s end and Donbas cession.[5]

⚡️ Kremlin says it expects US envoys Witkoff, Kushner, 'quite soon.'

Peace talks will not move forward until Ukraine pulls its forces from Donbas, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said.https://t.co/vOc5W1wiYC

— The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) May 10, 2026

Kremlin messaging shows inconsistencies, with Peskov appreciating mediation while Ushakov preconditions it on withdrawals.[3][5] Peskov denied envoy Kirill Dmitriev’s US visit resumed Ukraine talks, focusing instead on economics.[1][4] Trump foreign policy reportedly aligns with Russian visions, per Peskov, amid potential economic ties.[2][5] This convergence pressures Ukraine as US aid pauses weaken its leverage in talks.