Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has sharply criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin’s offer of a three-day ceasefire, branding it as an “attempt at manipulation.”
In his daily address on Monday, Zelensky said, “Now there’s a new attempt at manipulation: for some reason, everyone has to wait until May 8.” The proposed ceasefire from May 8 to May 10 coincides with Russia’s annual World War II commemorations, a major patriotic event in Moscow.
However, Kyiv is not impressed. Ukrainian officials have demanded that hostilities cease immediately, without waiting for symbolic dates.
“If Russia truly wants peace, it must cease fire immediately. Why wait until May 8th?” wrote Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga on X (formerly Twitter).
Ukraine Seeks Longer, Immediate Truce
Beyond rejecting the timing, Ukraine has also requested a much longer truce. Kyiv wants a minimum 30-day ceasefire to create real space for peace talks and humanitarian efforts.
The United States echoed Kyiv’s concerns, warning that this week would be “critical” in determining whether meaningful peace negotiations could begin.
While Russia frames the proposed truce around its Victory Day celebrations, Ukrainian leaders see it as a strategic ploy rather than a genuine offer of peace.
As fighting continues, the gap between Moscow’s proposals and Kyiv’s demands highlights just how fragile the prospects for peace remain.
