The Kremlin has rejected Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s call for a 30-day ceasefire, criticizing Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposal for a temporary three-day halt in fighting from May 8 to May 10, coinciding with Russia’s annual Victory Day celebrations. Zelensky dismissed the Russian ceasefire proposal as a move to ensure “silence for Putin’s parade,” emphasizing that “we value human lives, not parades.”
Despite Zelensky’s call for an immediate, unconditional, and full ceasefire lasting 30 days, the Kremlin insisted that several issues needed to be addressed before agreeing to a long-term ceasefire. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that without answers to these questions, it would be difficult to proceed with an extended ceasefire.
This rejection follows an earlier failed attempt at a ceasefire in April, when both Russia and Ukraine continued their attacks on one another despite a proposed truce. Zelensky also reiterated that a U.S.-proposed ceasefire, which Ukraine had agreed to, remained an option.
The proposed Victory Day parade on May 9 remains a central point of contention, as Putin plans to commemorate Russia’s role in defeating Nazi Germany during World War II, using the event to glorify Soviet and Russian history while criticizing the West.
