Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has firmly rejected a three-day ceasefire offer announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling it a political performance aimed at improving Moscow’s image ahead of Victory Day commemorations. Instead, Zelensky reaffirmed Ukraine’s readiness for a complete and unconditional ceasefire, underscoring Kyiv’s refusal to engage in what he described as “short-term illusions” of peace.
“This is more of a theatrical performance on his part. Because in two or three days, it’s impossible to draft a plan to end the war,” Zelensky told a group of journalists, with the statements released under embargo until Saturday.
The Russian government had proposed a limited three-day ceasefire coinciding with May 9, the date of Russia’s annual Victory Day military parade celebrating the Soviet Union’s triumph over Nazi Germany in 1945. The proposal has been widely viewed as an attempt to avoid potential Ukrainian attacks on Moscow during the high-profile event.
But Zelensky made it clear that Ukraine would not participate in “games” meant to provide Putin with a brief reprieve from diplomatic isolation.
“We will not play games to create a pleasant atmosphere for Putin to emerge from isolation on May 9,” he said.
Russia has consistently refused a broader, unconditional 30-day ceasefire proposal backed by both Kyiv and Washington, who are seeking a pathway toward ending Russia’s three-year full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which began in 2022.
Concerns Over Foreign Leaders Attending Moscow Parade
The Kremlin has confirmed that leaders from roughly 20 countries, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, have accepted invitations to attend the May 9 parade on Moscow’s Red Square.
Zelensky revealed that some of these countries have contacted Ukraine requesting security guarantees for their delegations.
“Our stance is very simple: to all countries traveling to Russia on May 9, we cannot take responsibility for what happens on Russian Federation territory,” Zelensky said.
He warned that Russia could stage attacks and blame Ukraine, adding, “They might commit acts like arson or explosions and then accuse us.”
Washington Signals Frustration with Ceasefire Talks
Amid the lack of tangible progress, U.S. officials have warned they may step back from mediation efforts unless both Kyiv and Moscow engage in serious negotiations.
“The United States is focused on achieving a full and lasting ceasefire, not just a symbolic three-day pause,” State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said earlier this week.
Meanwhile, Russian forces have made incremental gains on some sections of the front line, and both sides have escalated air strikes, raising fears of broader escalation during May.
The proposed temporary ceasefire is seen by Ukrainian and U.S. officials as a diversion tactic to shield Moscow from further attacks during a moment of national spectacle.
