In a statement on Saturday, President Volodymyr Zelensky declared that Ukraine would not support the recently proposed three-day cease-fire suggested by Russia, emphasizing that such a limited truce would not foster genuine negotiations toward lasting peace. Ukraine had previously agreed to a 30-day cease-fire proposal backed by the Trump administration in March, which aimed to facilitate discussions about key issues including the armistice line, nuclear safety protocols, and potential deployment of European peacekeepers.
Zelensky criticized the Russian offer, framing it as a “theatrical show” designed to ease international isolation for President Vladimir Putin, especially with the upcoming Victory Day celebrations in Moscow on May 9, which will be attended by global leaders such as Chinese President Xi Jinping. “We are either at war, or Putin is demonstrating a willingness to halt hostilities as a step towards resolving the conflict,” Zelensky asserted. He reiterated Ukraine's readiness to initiate the previously offered 30-day truce before the May 9 holiday, should Russia agree to the terms.
Zelensky's rejection of the brief cease-fire underscores Ukraine's commitment to a more substantial peace agreement amidst ongoing tensions in the region.
Zelensky criticized the Russian offer, framing it as a “theatrical show” designed to ease international isolation for President Vladimir Putin, especially with the upcoming Victory Day celebrations in Moscow on May 9, which will be attended by global leaders such as Chinese President Xi Jinping. “We are either at war, or Putin is demonstrating a willingness to halt hostilities as a step towards resolving the conflict,” Zelensky asserted. He reiterated Ukraine's readiness to initiate the previously offered 30-day truce before the May 9 holiday, should Russia agree to the terms.
Zelensky's rejection of the brief cease-fire underscores Ukraine's commitment to a more substantial peace agreement amidst ongoing tensions in the region.
