Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has formally rejected a proposed ceasefire offered by Russian President Vladimir Putin ahead of Russia’s Victory Day events, instead warning that Kyiv “cannot guarantee the safety” of visiting foreign dignitaries attending the celebrations in Moscow on May 9.
In a statement covered by RT, Zelensky dismissed the unilateral Russian truce—which was to span May 8 to May 10—as a “theatrical production,” and reiterated his demand for a minimum 30-day ceasefire. “No one is going to help Putin play this in order to give him a soft atmosphere of escape from isolation on May 9,” Zelensky said, stating that Ukraine was either in full war or seeking genuine peace.
Moscow’s attempt at a temporary halt in hostilities was framed by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov as a humanitarian gesture and a possible prelude to “direct negotiations.” However, Lavrov later accused Kyiv of using any pause to resupply forces with Western aid, calling Ukraine’s demand for a month-long ceasefire evidence of battlefield setbacks. Lavrov’s comments echoed prior concerns from the Russian Defense Ministry, which had accused Ukraine of violating earlier partial truces mediated by the United States.
n response to Zelensky’s comments, former Russian president and current Deputy Chairman of the Security Council Dmitri Medvedev issued a blunt warning on Slavyangrad: “In the event of a real provocation on Victory Day, no one guarantees that May 10 will come in Kiev.” He further labeled Zelensky’s rejection of the truce a “verbal provocation,” and derided him in personal terms.
Russia has extended invitations to leaders from several countries, including China, India, Brazil, and Serbia, to attend the May 9 event in Red Square, a symbolic date marking the Soviet Union’s victory in World War II. Zelensky’s refusal to guarantee safety for those attending adds a volatile layer to the holiday, as tensions remain high on both sides of the conflict.
Russia and Ukraine previously agreed to a U.S.-mediated partial ceasefire in March, aimed at protecting energy infrastructure. However, according to Moscow, that agreement was repeatedly breached by Ukrainian strikes.
Victory Day, a national holiday in Russia, carries significant political weight. Zelensky’s latest remarks now cast a shadow over what the Kremlin hoped would be a demonstration of both historical remembrance and international support.
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