Calling Putin’s 3-day proposal ‘theatrical’, Ukrainian leader pushes for 30-day ceasefire
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky talks with journalists during a press conference in Kyiv on May 2. (Photo: (Photo: Ukraine Presidency via AFP)
KYIV – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed a three-day truce ordered by Russian leader Vladimir Putin as theatrics but said Kyiv was ready for a full ceasefire.
Moscow said the truce, set to coincide with its World War II commemorations on May 9, was aimed at testing Kyiv’s “readiness” for long-term peace and accused Zelensky of making a “direct threat” to events on the holiday.
The Kremlin rejected an unconditional 30-day ceasefire proposed by Kyiv and Washington in March, and has since made only slim contributions to US President Donald Trump’s efforts to broker an end to the three-year Russian invasion.
“This is more of a theatrical performance on his part. Because in two or three days, it is impossible to develop a plan for the next steps to end the war,” Zelensky said.
The Ukrainian leader was speaking on Friday to a small group of journalists including AFP, in remarks embargoed until Saturday.
Some in Ukraine have criticised the truce as an attempt to prevent Kyiv from disrupting the World War II anniversary celebrations, with foreign leaders due in Moscow to watch a grand military parade on Red Square and an address by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Zelensky said Ukraine would not be “playing games to create a pleasant atmosphere to allow for Putin’s exit from isolation on May 9”.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters the ceasefire was aimed at testing “Kyiv’s readiness to seek ways to achieve long-term sustainable peace”.
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