The Kremlin says Ukraine’s options for a peace deal are narrowing as Moscow demands Kyiv accept its hardline terms, including withdrawal from occupied territories.
MOSCOW: The Kremlin said on Thursday that Ukraine was running out of time to agree to a deal to end the nearly four-year war with Russia.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters the situation was deteriorating daily for the Kyiv regime.
He said Ukraine’s “corridor for decision-making” was “narrowing”.
Peskov said the time had come for Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky to take responsibility and make the appropriate decision.
The comments appeared to urge Kyiv to agree to Moscow’s hardline terms for peace.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has demanded Kyiv withdraw from swathes of eastern and southern Ukraine as a precondition for a ceasefire.
Moscow has not backed down from its intention to seize the rest of east Ukraine.
Russia has rejected Western proposals to end the war.
It said it is intent on taking the rest of Ukrainian land it has proclaimed as Russian by force if diplomacy fails.
Peskov said dialogue was continuing with the United States.
He said it was important for the Russian side to also present its opinions on these discussions.
Ukrainian, US and European negotiators have agreed a framework 20-point plan to end the war, according to Zelensky.
This was an adjustment to a 28-point proposal initially tabled by Washington that heavily favoured Moscow.
The Kremlin has baulked at any adjustments to its demands.
Moscow also rejected a declaration that Britain and France would send troops to Ukraine after a ceasefire.
It called such troops potential “legitimate targets” for Moscow.
The warning comes as thousands in Kyiv were without heating in -12C temperatures following waves of Russian strikes on the country’s energy grid.
February 24 will mark four years since the Kremlin launched its full-scale offensive on Ukraine.
Tens of thousands have been killed and millions forced to flee their homes.
