Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected Russia's call for a three-day cease-fire, asserting it does not contribute to meaningful peace negotiations and offers a longer truce option instead.
Ukraine Dismisses Russia's Brief Cease-Fire Proposal as Unproductive
Ukraine Dismisses Russia's Brief Cease-Fire Proposal as Unproductive
President Zelensky deems the three-day truce request a political move rather than a genuine path to peace.
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine publicly rejected a request from Russia for a three-day cease-fire on Saturday, describing the offer as ineffective for fostering meaningful negotiations towards peace. Zelensky criticized the proposal as a "theatrical show," suggesting that such a brief cease-fire would not facilitate long-term solutions to the ongoing conflict.
This came as part of a continued dialogue about cease-fire agreements, with Zelensky recalling Ukraine's acceptance of a 30-day cease-fire earlier this year, which was proposed by the Trump administration. This agreement envisioned discussions on critical issues such as the demarcation of an armistice line, security protocols concerning a nuclear facility controlled by Russian forces, and the possible deployment of a European peacekeeping contingent.
During a press conference in Kyiv, Zelensky stated that Russia's counteroffer, coinciding with the important Victory Day commemorations in Russia, seemed aimed at easing Putin's international isolation rather than contributing to peace. He noted that foreign leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, are expected to attend the upcoming parade in Moscow on May 9, and suggested that the truce was more of a strategy for Russia to alleviate concerns regarding its global standing.
Zelensky clarified that Ukraine's proposal for a 30-day truce remains open, indicating a willingness to initiate this cease-fire before the May 9 holiday, should Russia choose to accept it. "We are simply either at war, or Putin shows he is ready to stop shooting as a first step to ending the war," he asserted, underscoring the need for a more substantial commitment to peace beyond mere symbolic gestures.
This came as part of a continued dialogue about cease-fire agreements, with Zelensky recalling Ukraine's acceptance of a 30-day cease-fire earlier this year, which was proposed by the Trump administration. This agreement envisioned discussions on critical issues such as the demarcation of an armistice line, security protocols concerning a nuclear facility controlled by Russian forces, and the possible deployment of a European peacekeeping contingent.
During a press conference in Kyiv, Zelensky stated that Russia's counteroffer, coinciding with the important Victory Day commemorations in Russia, seemed aimed at easing Putin's international isolation rather than contributing to peace. He noted that foreign leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, are expected to attend the upcoming parade in Moscow on May 9, and suggested that the truce was more of a strategy for Russia to alleviate concerns regarding its global standing.
Zelensky clarified that Ukraine's proposal for a 30-day truce remains open, indicating a willingness to initiate this cease-fire before the May 9 holiday, should Russia choose to accept it. "We are simply either at war, or Putin shows he is ready to stop shooting as a first step to ending the war," he asserted, underscoring the need for a more substantial commitment to peace beyond mere symbolic gestures.
