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Kremlin Demands Ukraine Withdraw From Donbas, Rejects Easter Ceasefire

The Kremlin has called for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to withdraw his forces from the Donbas region, framing it as a necessary step for peace. Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov explicitly rejected a proposed Easter ceasefire, insisting instead on a lasting settlement. Russia's defense ministry claims its forces have taken full control of the Luhansk region and other settlements. The Kremlin also warned of "corresponding measures" if EU nations are confirmed to be allowing Ukraine to use their airspace for drone attacks on Russian territory.

Key Points: Kremlin: Ukraine Must Withdraw Forces From Donbas Region

  • Russia demands Ukrainian withdrawal from Donbas
  • Kremlin rejects Easter ceasefire proposal
  • Russia claims control of Luhansk region
  • EU warned over allowing Ukrainian drone attacks
  • Russian air defenses claim to down 92 UAVs
3 min read

Kremlin says Ukraine should withdraw from Donbas

Kremlin spokesperson demands Ukrainian withdrawal from Donbas, rejects Easter truce, and warns EU over drone attacks as Russia claims new territorial gains.

"We reiterate that Zelensky must take responsibility and make the appropriate decision so that we achieve peace, not just a truce. - Dmitry Peskov"

Moscow, April 1

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky should withdraw his forces from the Donbas region, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday.

"As we have stated, he must take responsibility and make this difficult decision. Doing so could save a great many lives," Peskov said. "Most importantly, it would bring an end to the active phase of this conflict."

However, the pause in the trilateral talks between Russia, the United States and Ukraine is unrelated to the issue of Ukrainian armed forces in Donbas, Peskov added, Xinhua news agency reported.

Meanwhile, the Russian Defence Ministry said that Russian forces have taken full control of the Luhansk region, adding that settlements including Verkhnyaya Pisarevka in the Kharkiv region and Boykovo in the Zaporizhzhia region have also been brought under full control.

On Tuesday, Peskov stated that Russia does not accept a temporary truce in the conflict in Ukraine and instead calls for lasting peace.

In response to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's proposal for an Easter ceasefire on Monday, Peskov said that Zelensky's proposal did not constitute a clear initiative, noting that Zelensky should immediately pursue a durable peace settlement rather than a ceasefire, as the price of peace for Ukraine will only grow over time.

"We reiterate that Zelensky must take responsibility and make the appropriate decision so that we achieve peace, not just a truce," Peskov said at a news briefing.

This year, Orthodox Easter will be celebrated in Ukraine and Russia on April 12.

The Kremlin spokesperson also stated that Russia will take corresponding measures if it is confirmed that European Union (EU) member States are allowing Ukraine to use their airspace to launch drone attacks against Russian targets.

Peskov made the remarks when addressing reports that Baltic nations have opened their skies to Ukrainian drones targetting Russian territory, specifically the Leningrad Region.

"If this is taking place, it will compel us to draw the appropriate conclusions and take corresponding measures," Peskov told a press briefing.

Russia's air defence systems intercepted and destroyed 92 Ukrainian Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) between 11 pm Moscow time (2000 GMT) on Monday and 7 am (0400 GMT) on Tuesday, the Russian Defence Ministry said Tuesday.

In the Leningrad Region, three people, including two children, were injured, Governor Alexander Drozdenko said on social media. The injured received medical assistance at a hospital and did not require hospitalization.

In the past week, Ukrainian drones have repeatedly targetted sites in Russia's Leningrad Region, including multiple strikes on the port of Ust-Luga, a major Russian oil export terminal.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The human cost is heartbreaking. Children getting injured is never acceptable, no matter the side. I hope the Orthodox Easter can bring a moment of reflection for all parties involved. A ceasefire, even temporary, could be a first step. 🕊️
R
Rohit P
From an Indian perspective, we've seen how prolonged conflicts drain a nation. Russia says the price of peace will only grow for Ukraine. There's some truth in that—delay often makes resolution harder. But "lasting peace" cannot be built on the terms of only one side. A balanced solution is needed.
P
Priya S
The statement about EU airspace is a serious escalation. If other nations are getting directly involved by allowing drone attacks, this conflict could spread far beyond Ukraine's borders. The world doesn't need a wider war. All external powers should be encouraging talks, not fueling the fire.
V
Vikram M
It's easy for the Kremlin to talk about "difficult decisions" when they are not the ones being asked to give up their land. Zelensky is in an impossible position. India should continue its balanced stance and offer to be a mediator if possible. Our non-aligned history gives us some credibility.
M
Michael C
The report says Russia doesn't accept a "temporary truce" and wants lasting peace. But how can there be lasting peace without a ceasefire to start negotiations? The logic seems circular. The first step to stopping the dying has to be stopping the fighting.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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