JAKARTA - The Kremlin on Friday said it was impossible for it to hold a ceasefire at this time, as it would prevent them from achieving the objectives of holding a special military operation in Ukriana.
The Kremlin's comments came after Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Russia's closest ally, called for an immediate ceasefire, without preconditions, for Moscow and Kyiv to start negotiations for a lasting peace settlement.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters Russia had recorded President Lukashenko's comments. It said President Vladimir Putin would discuss it with President Lukashenko next week.
However, Peskov warned that Russia's goals from special military operations in Ukraine would not be achieved at this time, if fighting was stopped.
"In terms of Ukraine, nothing has changed, special military operations continue, as at the moment it is the only way in front of us to achieve our goals," Peskov said.
Peskov further explained that part of the plan proposed by China for peace in Ukraine "cannot be realized at this time, due to reluctance - or rather the inability - the Ukrainian side to disobey their supervisors and commanders".
This refers to Moscow's claim - which is not supported by evidence - that Western supporters of Ukraine have ordered Kyiv not to carry out a ceasefire.
"These commanders, as we know, do not sit in Kyiv and insist that the war continues," Peskov criticized.
Earlier, Russia said it was open to peace, but had explained this would only happen on its terms.
He said Kyiv should accept "new reality" on the pitch, where Russia has seized and claimed to have annexed more than a sixth of Ukraine's territory.
Meanwhile, Ukraine said Russia should withdraw its troops as the predecessor of the peace deal, saying a temporary ceasefire would only allow Russia to reunite for future military action.
Moscow says that the United States and its allies use Ukraine as part of a "hybrid war", aiming to give Russia a strategic defeat. Instead, Ukraine and the West say that Russia's claims are baseless pretexts to justify its invasion.
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