Camilla Jessen
Kremlin has officially dismissed reports suggesting that President Putin extended a ceasefire proposal to the United States regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
On Wednesday, the Kremlin refuted a Reuters report claiming President Vladimir Putin had suggested a ceasefire in Ukraine to the United States.
Reuters, referencing three anonymous Russian sources with information of the talks, reported that Putin had proposed to “freeze the conflict at the current lines” in 2023.
According to the news agency, the United States rejected Putin’s proposal, which was allegedly conveyed through Russia’s Middle Eastern allies and others.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, in a daily phone briefing with journalists, dismissed these claims, stating, “No, it’s not true.”
Media outlets have recently described rumored backchannel signals between Russia and the US, aimed at resolving the prolonged Ukraine conflict.
Reuters referenced an anonymous US official denying any covert discussions with Russia to avoid “going behind the back” of Ukraine.
Reports suggest that intermediaries from Moscow and Washington met in Turkey in late 2023.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated he will not negotiate with Russia while Putin is in office.