Russia rejects Christmas truce: what the Kremlin responded to Merz's proposal.

According to ТСН: The Russian Federation has rejected the idea of a Christmas truce proposed by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz during negotiations in Berlin. Ukraine expressed support for this initiative.

Press Secretary of the Russian President Dmitry Peskov announced the Kremlin's position.

He cynically stated that such a truce could only be needed by Ukraine to 'regain strength and prepare for the continuation of hostilities.' According to Peskov, Moscow intends to stop the war and achieve its goals.

'We want peace; we do not want a truce to give Ukraine a respite and prepare for the continuation of the war,'

Peskov also added that the further development of events depends on whether Russia and Ukraine can reach an agreement. He emphasized that the position of the Russian Federation on this matter is 'well known, consistent, transparent and clear.'

It should be noted that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed the opinion that the Russian Federation 'can show remnants of humanity' and allow people to rest for a few days, at least during Christmas. In his opinion, such a truce could be the 'beginning of constructive, sober negotiations.'

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky supported this idea. He emphasized that Kyiv is ready to support any formats of ceasefires, including energy truce.

It is also worth mentioning that earlier the Kremlin rejected the initiative for a 'New Year truce.' At the beginning of December, Peskov stated that a completely different process is currently ongoing, but did not specify what it is about.

This refusal by Russia of a Christmas truce indicates that the situation at the front remains tense, and the opportunities for dialogue are currently limited. The decision of the Ukrainian president to support the initiative turns this position into a testament to the desire for peace even in the context of irreconcilable confrontation.