Zelensky Rejects Putins Truce as Theatrical Maneuver, Calls for Genuine Ceasefire

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has characterized the three-day ceasefire announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin as mere theatrics, while affirming that Kyiv is prepared for a comprehensive ceasefire.

Moscow stated that the ceasefire, intended to align with the observance of World War II on May 9, was designed to assess Kyiv’s willingness for lasting peace and accused Zelensky of posing a «direct threat» to the commemorative events.

The Kremlin previously rejected an unconditional 30-day ceasefire suggested by Kyiv and Washington in March and has offered limited support for U.S. President Donald Trump’s attempts to mediate a resolution to the ongoing three-year Russian invasion.

Zelensky commented, «This appears more as a staged performance on his part. Developing a plan to conclude the war within two or three days is not feasible.»

He made these remarks during a conversation with a small group of journalists, including representatives from AFP, with the comments under embargo until Saturday.

Some critics in Ukraine view the truce as an effort to prevent disruptions to the World War II anniversary celebrations, which will see foreign leaders attending a significant military parade on Red Square, alongside a speech from President Putin.

Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine would not engage in maneuvers to create a favorable atmosphere for Putin to escape isolation on May 9.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov indicated that the ceasefire aimed to evaluate «Kyiv’s readiness to explore pathways for establishing long-term durable peace.»

According to the Kremlin, around 20 leaders, including China’s Xi Jinping, have accepted invitations to partake in this year’s commemorations.

Zelensky mentioned that some nations had reached out to Kyiv expressing concerns about their safety while traveling to Russia.

«Our stance is straightforward regarding all countries that are traveling to Russia on May 9—we cannot assume responsibility for events occurring on Russian territory,» he stated.

«They are assuring your safety,» he added, warning that Russia «might resort to various actions, such as arson or explosions, and subsequently place the blame on us.»

Zelensky did not specify Ukraine’s actions during the ceasefire, but Russia quickly reacted, accusing Kyiv of issuing a «direct threat» to its commemorative activities on May 9.

«He is endangering the physical safety of veterans attending parades and events on this significant day,» asserted Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova on Telegram. «His statement is, of course, a direct threat.»

Russian officials have promised grand festivities for the occasion, wherein Putin aims to galvanize support for the soldiers engaged in the conflict in Ukraine.

Russian forces have been achieving challenging advancements in various areas along the front, while both Moscow and Kyiv have intensified their airstrikes.

The United States has warned it could halt efforts to negotiate a ceasefire if no progress materializes.

Washington is in pursuit of «a complete, lasting ceasefire and an end to the conflict,» rather than a «temporary three-day pause to celebrate something else,» U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce remarked this week.

Bruce noted that it would ultimately be up to Trump to determine the future of diplomatic negotiations.

Since taking office, Trump has significantly changed U.S. policy towards Russia, initiating a rapprochement with the Kremlin.

This strategy culminated in a televised confrontation between Trump and Zelensky at the White House on February 28, where both leaders were set to sign an agreement granting U.S. access to Ukrainian mineral resources in exchange for certain protections.

Ukraine has since restructured the agreement to allow Washington and Kyiv to collaborate on the development and investment of Ukraine’s critical mineral resources.

Zelensky stated on Friday that the revised deal benefits both parties and safeguards Ukraine’s interests, even though it provides no explicit security assurances for Kyiv.

This followed a meeting at the end of April between Trump and Zelensky prior to Pope Francis’ funeral at the Vatican—their first meeting after the public confrontation.

«We had the most productive discussion compared to all prior ones,» Zelensky remarked on Friday.

«I am optimistic that President Trump has begun to view matters from a slightly different perspective following our Vatican meeting.»

Meanwhile, Moscow continued its assaults on Ukraine overnight.

A Russian drone attack in Kharkiv, a city in northeastern Ukraine, late Friday injured 51 individuals, including two children, as reported by regional prosecutors.

Simultaneously, Russian authorities accused Ukraine of launching an overnight assault on the southern port city of Novorossiysk, which damaged residential buildings and resulted in five injuries.