Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has instructed Ukrainian officials to clarify the details of a proposal made by Russian leader Vladimir Putin to declare a ceasefire on May 9, Russia’s Victory Day, while responding by calling for a longer-term cessation of hostilities.
Victory Day is a Russian holiday commemorating the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in 1945, observed on May 9.
“I have instructed our representatives to contact the team of the President of the United States and clarify the details of Russia’s proposal for a short-term ceasefire,” Zelensky said.
According to him, Ukraine seeks peace and is carrying out the necessary diplomatic efforts to bring the war to a genuine end.
“We will clarify exactly what this is about — a few hours of security for a parade in Moscow, or something more,” he noted.
“Our proposal is a long-term ceasefire, reliable and guaranteed security for people, and a sustainable peace. Ukraine is ready to work toward this in any dignified and effective format,” the Ukrainian president added.
On April 29, Yuri Ushakov, an aide to the Russian leader, reported that Putin had held a phone call with Donald Trump, during which he expressed readiness to declare a ceasefire on May 9.
Following the call, Trump said the discussion was “very good” and expressed hope that a solution to the Russia–Ukraine war could be reached “relatively soon.” He also said he had proposed a “small ceasefire” to Putin.
