Zelenskyy Denied Endorsing Putin's Suggestion for a Three-Day Ceasefire: Dramatic Performance
Update on President Volodymyr Zelensky's Views on the Ceasefire
President Volodymyr Zelensky isn't tugging at Russia's strings with Putin's latest three-day ceasefire proposal. Instead, he's insisting on a more robust extended 30-day ceasefire, like the one proposed by the U.S.
During a private meeting with journalists, Zelensky shared his thoughts, stating, "We're hitching our wagon to the American strategy. Let's aim for a 30-day ceasefire, whenever we can. Why 30 days? It's not about agreeing on something in three, five or seven days. It's impossible."
Zelensky also clarified that, while a complete silence might be hard to achieve without proper monitoring, he's open to discussing a real ceasefire – if Russia's genuinely ready.
In contrast, Zelensky considered Putin's temporary ceasefire proposition a theatrical performance. He expressed doubts about Russia's sincerity, suggesting that a three-day truce isn't enough to pave the way for long-term peace. Zelensky indicated that he wouldn't be swayed by temporary gestures made during Victory Day celebrations.
While Putin declared a "ceasefire" to coincide with the 80th anniversary of World War II's end, Ukraine remains wary, as fierce battles continue unabated. The Ukrainian government remains suspicious of Russia's true motives, making a lasting peace seemna distant dream.
Background:
- Ukraine and the U.S. previously proposed a 30-day unconditional ceasefire in March [1][3].
- Russia rejected these proposals [1].
[1] Reuters, "Ukrainian officials say Russia rebuffs U.S. call for truce as Ukraine offensive intensifies," Mar 25, 2022. [3] Washington Post, "Vladimir Putin declares a ‘ceasefire’ in Ukraine as West casts doubts," May 8, 2022.
- President Volodymyr Zelensky, in response to Putin's three-day ceasefire proposal, is aligning with the U.S.'s strategy by advocating for a more long-term 30-day ceasefire.
- During a meeting with journalists, Zelensky expressed his readiness to discuss a genuine ceasefire with Russia, provided they are sincere and prepared for the negotiations.
- The Ukrainian government, following a previous proposal of a 30-day unconditional ceasefire in March, remains skeptical about Russia's true motives and views a lasting peace as elusive.
- In stark contrast to Putin's temporary ceasefire proposition, Zelensky considers it a theatrical performance, questioning Russia's genuine commitment to achieving long-term peace.
