Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov dismisses Zelensky's call for a ceasefire to hold elections, as Russia continues attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
Lavrov criticizes Zelensky's ceasefire request
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated on Monday, October 12, that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky "does not deserve" a ceasefire to organize a presidential election in Ukraine. Lavrov made the remarks during a press conference, dismissing the idea that Zelensky should be granted a temporary pause in fighting for this purpose.Zelensky seeks 60-day ceasefire
Zelensky had called for a "60-day" ceasefire with Russia, which would allow, among other things, the organization of elections. This request followed an appeal by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who had suggested changing the leadership in Ukraine. Zelensky claimed that Moscow has rejected a unilateral energy ceasefire proposed by Trump, citing recent Russian attacks.Ukraine reports attacks on energy sites
According to Zelensky, it is "increasingly evident" that Moscow has rejected the unilateral energy ceasefire announced by Trump, given the Russian attacks in the past hours. On X, the Ukrainian leader said it is becoming increasingly clear that Russia refuses to accept the energy ceasefire proposed by the United States and intends to continue its aerial attacks against Ukrainian civilians.Russian attacks kill civilians in eastern Ukraine
Zelensky reported that Russia attacked six energy infrastructure sites in Ukraine on Monday. The large-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, the deadliest conflict in Europe since World War II, is causing an increasing number of civilian casualties due to an escalation of attacks over the months. A Russian strike near Kramatorsk, near the front in eastern Ukraine, killed at least three members of the same family, according to local authorities.Kremlin remains silent on Trump's ceasefire
On the other hand, the Kremlin refused to say on Monday whether an energy ceasefire with Kiev, announced by Donald Trump, had indeed been agreed upon. Russian officials did not confirm or deny the proposal, leaving the situation in limbo and raising questions about the true intentions of both sides.
