Kremlin Says Ukraine's Withdrawal from Donbas Could Save Lives Amid Rising Conflict
Kremlin urges Ukraine to withdraw from Donbas, warns over drones.
The Kremlin has called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to withdraw his forces from the Donbas region, saying such a move could save lives and end the active phase of the conflict. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov made the statement on Wednesday, urging Zelensky to take responsibility for a durable peace settlement rather than a temporary ceasefire.
“As we have stated, he must take responsibility and make this difficult decision. Doing so could save a great many lives. Most importantly, it would bring an end to the active phase of this conflict,” Peskov said. He clarified that the pause in trilateral talks between Russia, the United States, and Ukraine is unrelated to the issue of Ukrainian forces in Donbas.
Meanwhile, the Russian Defence Ministry reported that its forces have taken full control of the Luhansk region. Settlements in other areas, including Verkhnyaya Pisarevka in Kharkiv and Boykovo in Zaporizhzhia, have also been brought under full Russian control. Peskov reiterated that Russia does not support temporary truces and is seeking a lasting peace.
Also Read: Iran Appoints New Security Chief Amid Rising Middle East Tensions
Responding to Zelensky’s Easter ceasefire proposal, Peskov said it did not constitute a clear initiative. “Zelensky should immediately pursue a durable peace settlement rather than a ceasefire, as the price of peace for Ukraine will only grow over time,” he said. Orthodox Easter will be celebrated in both Russia and Ukraine on April 12.
The Kremlin also warned that Russia will respond if European Union member states allow Ukraine to use their airspace to launch drone attacks on Russian territory. Peskov’s comments follow reports that Baltic countries permitted Ukrainian drones to target the Leningrad Region.
Recent drone attacks have caused injuries and disrupted infrastructure. Russian air defence systems intercepted and destroyed 92 Ukrainian UAVs between Monday night and Tuesday morning, according to the Defence Ministry. In the Leningrad Region, three people, including two children, were injured but did not require hospitalization. Ukrainian drones have repeatedly targeted sites in the region, including multiple strikes on the port of Ust-Luga, a major oil export terminal.
Also Read: Japan Begins Releasing Strategic Oil Reserves To Address Rising Global Prices
