“We have repeatedly said that a ceasefire in itself is not what we want. We seek peace that will take place after all conditions are met and after all goals we have set are achieved,” Peskov told reporters.

Russia remains open to negotiations to resolve the conflict, is ready for them, and considers them “possible and necessary based on the Istanbul 2022 agreements.” the spokesman stated.

Commenting on the Reuters report that the European Union (EU) is considering building a five-to-eight-country coalition to send troops to Ukraine at the end of the conflict, Peskov indicated that the idea can and should be debated during negotiations.

Russia has been conducting a special military operation in Ukraine since February 24, 2022, to protect the population from “Kiev genocide,” according to President Vladimir Putin.

It also aims to counter national security risks posed by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) eastward expansion.

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