Zelenskyy declares no intention to partake in Putin's 'trickery' with brief ceasefire.
Zelenskyy Brushes Off Three-Day Truce with Russia
It looks like a temporary truce between Ukraine and Russia, set to coincide with Russia's World War II commemorations on May 9, has been squashed. Moscow claims this truce was designed to test Kyiv's commitment to long-term peace, and has accused Zelenskyy of issuing a "direct threat" towards events on the holiday.
The Kremlin has thus far refused to entertain an unconditional 30-day ceasefire proposed by both Kyiv and Washington back in March. With Putin seemingly evasive about ending the three-year Russia invasion, it seems the truce was never a genuine possibility.
Zelenskyy dismissed the truce as part of a theatrical performance, stating that it was impossible to develop a plan for ending the conflict in just two or three days. He made these comments during a private meeting with journalists, including AFP, on May 3.
Critics in Ukraine view the truce as an effort by Moscow to safeguard their World War II anniversary celebrations, which are due to attract foreign leaders and witness a military parade on Red Square as well as an address by Putin.
"We're not here to play games to create a pleasant atmosphere to allow for Putin's exit from isolation on 9 May," Zelenskyy declared.
Some insider details: The current state of Ukraine-Russia truce efforts remains shaky, with no ceasefire in effect as of May 2025. Kyiv has backed US-backed proposals for a 30-day ceasefire and partial truces to protect civilian infrastructure, yet Moscow has either stalled or dismissed these plans.[1] Russian forces have upped the ante, even launching a lethal barrage on Kyiv on April 24, killing at least 12 people and drawing a public rebuke from former US President Donald Trump towards Vladimir Putin.[1]
Zelenskyy's government continues to lobby for an unconditional cessation of hostilities, viewing Moscow's delays as part of tactical stalling.[1] In stark contrast, Putin has yet to publicly comment on the latest ceasefire proposals, although Russia's military escalation suggests a rejection of diplomatic overtures.[1] The Kremlin continues to demand terms that Ukraine deems unacceptable, such as territorial concessions.[1]
Recently, the US has signaled a reduced mediation role, with Vice President JD Vance stating on May 1 that the conflict's resolution now lies primarily in the hands of the warring sides themselves.[1]
- Despite the proposed three-day truce between Ukraine and Russia being brusquely dismissed by Zelenskyy, the United States and Ukraine continue to advocate for a 30-day ceasefire and protective truces for civilian infrastructure.
- In the midst of ongoing war-and-conflicts news, Zelenskyy's government remains adamant about achieving an unconditional cessation of hostilities, viewing Moscow's delays as a tactical ploy rather than a genuine willingness to negotiate.
- The ongoing embargoed discussions regarding a Ukraine-Russia truce have been met with public scrutiny as Russian forces have escalated their attacks, most notably a lethal barrage on Kyiv that claimed at least 12 lives in April.
- In politics and general-news circles, Zelenskyy's comments on the temporary truce, stating that it was part of a theatrical performance and impossible to develop a peace plan in just a few days, continue to shape the narrative surrounding the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
