Kremlin: Russia backs lasting peace in Ukraine, not temporary ceasefire

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Thursday that Russia is open to a peaceful settlement in Ukraine, but supports a lasting peace rather than a temporary ceasefire. He reiterated that Moscow's position remains unchanged. Peskov stated that Russia seeks a precise path toward peace, not an interim truce. He also confirmed that communications between Russia and Ukraine continue through intelligence agencies, which handle prisoner-of-war matters. Peskov said he had no information regarding reports of North Korean soldiers being transferred to South Korea. He also characterized the European Union's use of frozen Russian asset proceeds for Ukraine as "theft."