Ukraine Rejects Short Truce Suggestion by Putin, Zelensky Affirms No Participation in Russia's Strategic Maneuvers
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Kyiv's Stance on Putin's Ceasefire Proposal
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky isn't buying Putin's three-day truce. In a chat with the press, he called it "drama" and suggested Ukraine is ready for a full ceasefire instead.
So far, Moscow has turned a deaf ear to Kyiv and Washington's call for a 30-day ceasefire to end the three-year Russian invasion of Ukraine.
"This is more like Putin's theatrical stunt. He can't come up with a game plan to wrap up this war in two days," Zelensky remarked during his meeting with journalists, including AFP, on a Friday (details held until Saturday).
Zelensky wasn't in the mood to play games and dance around Putin's May 9th festivities either. He emphasized that Ukraine isn't pulling any strings to create a peace atmosphere for Putin's grand Moscow spectacle.
Russia views Ukraine's proposals as attempts to ding Putin during his home turf celebrations, with a big military parade on Red Square and a nationally-televised address. So far, Ukraine has managed to hit Moscow several times during the conflict, as well as targets across the country.
Security Responsibility Disclaimed
The guest list for May 9th includes leaders from around 20 countries, including China's Xi Jinping, who accepted invitations to join Russia's World War II commemoration event. Zelensky commented that some countries have contacted Ukraine, seeking safety, to which Ukraine responded, "We can't be responsible for any shenanigans on Russian soil."
"They're taking care of your safety," Zelensky added with a warning that Russia might resort to arson, explosions, and blaming Ukraine for it.
Putin's grand plans include troop rallies and seeking support for his troops in Ukraine. The troops have been making significant progress on several fronts, while both Ukraine and Russia have intensified aerial attacks.
The United States has threatened to abandon diplomatic efforts if it doesn't see any progress, focusing on a "complete, durable ceasefire and an end to the conflict," rather than a short-lived truce for special occasions.
A Changed Perspective?
Donald Trump has steered a new course for US-Russia relations, aligning more closely with the Kremlin since taking office. The two leaders had a heated exchange at the White House in February, when they were supposed to sign an agreement granting US access to Ukrainian resources for protection in return. Since then, Ukraine has renegotiated the deal, with Washington and Kyiv promising to jointly develop and invest in crucial Ukrainian mineral resources.
On Friday, Zelensky said the amended deal was mutually beneficial and protected Ukraine's interests—despite the fact that it offers no concrete security guarantees. This follows a meeting between Zelensky and Trump at the end of April before the Pope's funeral at the Vatican, their first face-to-face since their public clash.
"We had a terrific talk, much better than all the previous ones. I believe Trump has shifted gears after our meeting in the Vatican," Zelensky said.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky doesn't think a three-day truce proposed by Putin will work, and he suggested instead that Ukraine is ready for a full ceasefire.
- Russia has ignored calls from both Kyiv and Washington for a 30-day ceasefire to end the three-year invasion of Ukraine.
- Some countries have sought Ukraine's assistance for safety during the May 9th commemoration event in Russia, but Ukraine has stated it can't be held responsible for any incidents on Russian soil.
- The United States has suggested that it may abandon diplomatic efforts if it doesn't see progress towards a complete, durable ceasefire and an end to the conflict in Ukraine.
