Russia rejects truce: Vladimir Putin will not allow Ukraine to rearm

The Kremlin has rejected the possibility of a temporary truce in the conflict with Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin stated at a press conference in Moscow. The proposal, which sought a 30-day ceasefire to facilitate negotiations and humanitarian assistance, has been dismissed by Russia, arguing that Kyiv would use the pause to strengthen its military capabilities.

"A truce would only benefit Ukraine, as it would give them time to receive more weapons from the West and reorganize their forces. We will not allow this," Putin said in his statement.

The Russian refusal comes amid escalating fighting in several regions of eastern Ukraine and amid growing international pressure to find a diplomatic solution to the conflict. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian government continues to request more military and financial support from its allies, especially after the recent diplomatic crisis with Washington, which called into question the continued US support.

Putin's rejection of the truce is also interpreted as a response to European movements that have begun to discuss sending troops to Ukraine in an effort to strengthen the country's defense against the Russian offensive.

With this stance, Moscow reaffirms its determination to continue the war on its own terms, maintaining pressure on Kyiv and its Western allies.