Ukraine Conflict: Volodymyr Zelensky Rejects Short Ceasefires Suggested by Vladimir Putin, Preferring Lasting Peace
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It looks like Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had a chat with his American counterpart, Donald Trump, at the Vatican on April 26. Zelensky believes this meeting provided Trump with a new perspective on the conflict in Ukraine. In a press conference on May 2, Zelensky shared that he has no intention of messing around with the brief ceasefires proposed by Vladimir Putin, one of which coincided with the World War II commemorations in Moscow from May 8-10. Zelensky described these short-lived truces as inadequate for constructive discussions. He added sarcastically, "It's not like we can conjure up an agreement in three, five, or seven days. Let's be real. This is just Putin's theatrical performance."
Zelensky went on to state that no one will assist Putin in staging such a theatrical performance to create a cozy atmosphere for Putin's exit from isolation on May 9. Zelensky expressed that leaders, friends, and partners of Putin present at Red Square on that day should not expect a secure environment, mainly because Kiev can't vouch for Russia's actions. Kiev demands a "total and unconditional ceasefire" as a precondition for any negotiations with Russia.
Approximately 20 leaders are anticipated to share the stage with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on May 9. This elite group comprises China's Xi Jinping, Brazil's Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, and leaders from traditional Russian allies such as Kazakhstan, Belarus, Armenia, Cuba, and Venezuela.
Enrichment Data:- The 2025 Moscow Victory Day Parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Allied victory over Nazi Germany will include attendance from over 20 heads of state and government.- Key attendees include Chinese President Xi Jinping, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.- Some African nations will also be represented, though leaders have not been specifically named.- EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas criticized attendance at the Moscow parade, stating it risks normalizing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.- Kyiv’s counter-event aims to divert diplomatic attention from Moscow. No specific security concerns from Zelenskyy about the Moscow event are mentioned in available reporting, though Kyiv’s counter-programming highlights efforts to undermine Russia’s narrative.
- During the press conference, Zelensky made it clear that he would not manipulate the ceasefires proposed by Putin, despite one coinciding with the World War II commemorations in Moscow.
- In reference to Putin's brief truces, Zelensky sarcastically remarked that it's not as if an agreement could be crafted in just a few days, such as three, five, or seven days.
- The general news outlets are reporting that around 20 heads of state and government, including Xi Jinping, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, and leaders from traditional Russian allies, are expected to attend the 2025 Moscow Victory Day Parade.
- In the wake of Putin's isolation, Zelensky stated that no one should expect a secure environment for Putin's exit, as Kiev cannot guarantee Russia's actions, and a "total and unconditional ceasefire" is a precondition for any negotiations with Russia.
