Zelensky Denounces Putin's Truce Proposal as an Attempt at Manipulation
In a tone that oozes skepticism, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky didn't mince words when he dubbed a three-day truce proposed by his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, as "manipulation."
"Now we're dealing with a fresh round of manipulation," Zelensky said in his Monday evening address. "Suddenly, everyone's expected to wait until May 8."
Putin's declaration of a ceasefire from May 8-10, 2025, comes as Russia gears up for its World War II Victory Day commemorations, drawing thinly-veiled criticism from Kyiv, which has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities.
Ukraine has made it clear that it desires an immediate truce with Russia lasting at least 30 days. But why wait until May 8th, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga asked on social media.
As the deadline for this week's high-stakes negotiations approaches, the United States has sounded the alarm, warning that the coming days will be crucial in determining the viability of achieving peace.
(Except for the headline, this piece hasn't received any editing from our team and is sourced from a syndicated feed.)
Digging Deeper
Russia's three-day unilateral ceasefire from May 8-10, 2025, coincides with Moscow's World War II Victory Day celebrations. Kremlin officials have warned that they expect Ukraine to reciprocate and threatened a "proportionate response" to any violations[1][3].
Ukraine's response to this proposed truce has been cagey, citing alleged breaches of past ceasefires, including a short-lived Easter truce in April 2025 that came to an end within 30 hours[1][3]. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had previously proposed a 30-day ceasefire, a proposal that Russia declined. Kyiv has outright rejected direct peace talks with Moscow unless Russia withdraws from occupied territories[1][2].
Russia's stance includes a surprising offer of "unconditional" bilateral negotiations, yet it persists in insisting on territorial concessions, including Crimea, which it annexed in 2014[1][3]. The timing of the ceasefire—which aligns with the 80th anniversary of WWII Victory Day celebrations—has sparked speculation among analysts about it serving as a symbolic gesture amid stalled diplomatic efforts[2][3].
The fragility of the proposed truce is evident, with both sides trading accusations of previous violations and demonstrating a limited faith in sustained de-escalation[1][3].
- Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has dubbed Russia's unilateral three-day ceasefire from May 8-10, 2025, as "manipulation," following Putin's proposal.
- Kyiv's response to the proposed truce has been cagey, citing alleged breaches of past ceasefires and outright rejecting direct peace talks with Moscow unless Russia withdraws from occupied territories.
- The timing of the ceasefire, which aligns with the 80th anniversary of WWII Victory Day celebrations, has sparked speculation among analysts about it serving as a symbolic gesture amid stalled diplomatic efforts.
- As the deadline for this week's high-stakes negotiations approaches, both Russia and Ukraine continue to trade accusations of previous ceasefire violations and demonstrate a limited faith in sustained de-escalation.
