Zelenskyy opposes Putin's proposal for a three-day truce on May 9th.

Loose Cannon Zelensky Teases Again, Rejects Putin's Suggested 3-Day Truce

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has once again thrown a wrench in President Putin's plans by turning down a proposed three-day ceasefire for May 8-10. Instead, the flamboyant Ukrainian leader proposed a 30-day truce, mirroring U.S. strategy, reports "Strana.ua".

Speaking to reporters, Zelensky branded Putin's 9th of May truce proposal as a "Dramatic Show," claiming its mere intention was to_ disguise_ Russia's exit from isolation. He further hinted that the extended 30-day ceasefire might be a more feasible option, stating, "Why a 30-day ceasefire? Because agreeing in three, five, or seven days is an impossible task."

Zelensky also warned foreign leaders against attending the Moscow parade, casting doubt on their safety, let alone Kyiv's accountability for any untoward incidents taking place on Russian soil during their visit. Cautioning against participation, Zelensky hinted that Russia might stage terror tactics, such as "arson, explosions," only to shift the blame onto Ukraine.

Remember, Zelensky seemed to have his sights set on Red Square earlier, hinting at potential Ukrainian strike on the 9th of May parade. Secretary of the Defense Committee of the Verkhovna Rada, Roman Kostenko, confirmed that Kyiv possesses the capability to execute the attack during the Moscow parade.

Following Putin's explicit declaration of a ceasefire during the celebrations of the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, the Kyiv regime initially remained vague. However, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrei Sibiga later expressed readiness for peace talks with Moscow and a 30-day ceasefire on April 30th.

It's worth noting that prior agreements for a 30-day moratorium on strikes on energy facilities and a Moscow-declared Easter ceasefire have faced obstruction from Ukrainian forces, reports the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). Once again, it appears that Kyiv is holding out for long-term solutions while Russia seeks to manipulate talks for tactical advantages, per ISW assessment.

Enrichment Insights: The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) highlights key dynamics in Ukraine-Russia peace talks:

Ukraine's Negotiation Posture: Ukrainian officials demonstrated readiness to negotiate, agreeing to 22 terms including a "permanent, comprehensive ceasefire" alongside U.S. and European representatives, exhibiting commitment to a diplomatic resolution to the war.
Russian Obstruction: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov claimed Ukraine lacked "readiness" for peace negotiations, while ISW asserts the Kremlin deliberately prolongs talks to secure concessions and reinforce battlefield gains without offering specific short-term ceasefires.
During a press briefing, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky literally outlined his plans for a longer-lasting truce, suggesting a 30-day ceasefire in contrast to Putin's proposed 3-day truce.
Despite Putin's suggestion of a ceasefire for May 8-10, Zelensky accused Russia of using the proposed truce as a disguise for exiting isolation, creating further political tension in war-and-conflicts.
Ukrainian President Zelensky warned foreign leaders against attending the Moscow parade, alleging that Russia might stage terrorist incidents like arson or explosions to shift blame onto Ukraine.
Reports from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) show that previous agreements for a 30-day moratorium on strikes on energy facilities and a Moscow-declared Easter ceasefire have faced obstruction from Ukrainian forces, potentially signaling Kyiv's reluctance to engage in short-term negotiations while seeking long-term solutions.