Russian Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov rejected the proposal for a ceasefire under the pretext of holding a referendum in Ukraine on territorial issues. In a comment to Channel One, he emphasized that such initiatives would not help Kyiv gain a pause on the front.

"If the point is to create a pretext for demanding a truce, a respite, a pause at the front, then naturally it won't work.",” Peskov said.

According to him, Moscow strives for a sustainable peace with reliable guarantees, not temporary agreements.

Analysts believe this will allow Ukraine to justify its rejection of the American settlement plan to Donald Trump, citing the need for a public vote.