The Kremlin's proposal for a three-day ceasefire during Victory Day has drawn skepticism from Ukraine, where citizens and officials reject the idea due to fears it serves as a strategic maneuver rather than a genuine peace effort.
Ukrainians Remain Skeptical of Russia's Proposed Ceasefire
Ukrainians Remain Skeptical of Russia's Proposed Ceasefire
As Russia announces a three-day pause in hostilities to mark the World War Two anniversary, Ukrainians question its sincerity and motives.
Russia's President Vladimir Putin has announced a self-declared three-day ceasefire beginning Wednesday evening to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two in Europe. However, many Ukrainians view this initiative as a mere "theatrical show," with President Volodymyr Zelensky stressing the skepticism enveloping Russia's intentions.
Ukrainians have largely dismissed Putin's ceasefire as they recall a similar claim from last month – a 30-hour truce during Easter that was almost immediately violated. In fact, public opinion polls indicate that 95% of the Ukrainian populace expresses deep mistrust toward Russia.
Tetyana Kondratenko, a shopkeeper from Khotin Village, close to the borderline, articulates her doubts: "I don’t believe there will be any ceasefire." She recounted how shelling has only intensified, raising broader concerns over the cyclical nature of Russia's proposals, seen as strategic interruptions rather than legitimate truces.
Ukrainian officials have not ruled out military actions during the suggested pause. A source from the presidential office merely stated, “We'll see,” demonstrating the uncertainty clouding the situation.
In Zaporizhzhia, Antonina Sienina, who has lost family in the conflict, expressed mixed sentiments on the ceasefire offer. "We would be happy even for just one day without explosions,” she noted, capturing the desperate yearning for a moment of peace amidst the ongoing violence.
As attacks have escalated, Kyiv residents endured air strikes early Wednesday, with a tragic missile strike resulting in civilian casualties. This backdrop underscores the prevailing belief among Ukrainians that any ceasefire should ensure solid guarantees of safety—contingencies absent from Putin's announcement.
Former Ukrainian foreign minister Pavlo Klimkin criticized the proposed pause as a propaganda tactic, aimed at promoting Russia's control narrative both domestically and internationally: "This is all about Russia framing the agenda on its own terms," he explained.
The ongoing conflict has left numerous civilians at risk, with the UN reporting a rise in civilian fatalities. Amid a dire situation, some segments of the population, like Oleksii Kamchatnyi from Kyiv, have expressed openness to ceasefires—even under unfavorable conditions—if it means saving lives.
Most polls indicate a mixed feeling toward land ceding, with many Ukrainians anxious to see stability while maintaining sovereignty. However, a significant portion perceives Russia's ceasefire attempts as tactical, raising concerns of potential military reinforcements rather than genuine peace efforts.
Military analyst Mykhailo Samus encapsulated Ukraine's stance, stating, "Why would we play Putin's game?" Demonstrating a clear call for a substantive ceasefire, he emphasized Ukraine's readiness for meaningful dialogue, rejecting superficial gestures meant to bolster Russia’s narrative.
