The Kremlin has firmly rejected Ukraine’s call to extend a three-day ceasefire into a 30-day truce, stating that several unresolved conditions must be addressed.
Russian President Vladimir Putin had earlier announced a unilateral ceasefire from May 8 to 10 to align with the Victory Day celebrations on May 9, a key national event commemorating the Soviet victory in World War II.
But Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said President Volodymyr Zelensky’s proposal for a longer truce had been reviewed but could not proceed without addressing several key issues.
“Without answers to these questions, it is difficult to enter into a long-term ceasefire,” Peskov said, emphasizing that this remains Putin’s position.
The Kremlin’s stance mirrors past ceasefire conditions set by Putin, including restrictions on Ukraine’s ability to regroup or rearm during the pause and a halt to Western arms shipments. No reciprocal concessions were offered.
Ukrainian President Zelensky dismissed the ceasefire window as a strategic move meant to serve Russian interests during a period of global attention on Moscow.
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He called instead for an immediate and permanent cessation of hostilities, describing the proposed three-day truce as “manipulative.”
In Washington, diplomatic frustration is growing. President Donald Trump, who previously proposed a similar 30-day ceasefire, urged both parties to demonstrate commitment to meaningful negotiations. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio signaled that ongoing support might hinge on measurable progress toward peace.
Despite the upcoming truce, Ukrainian officials reported fresh Russian attacks in several regions, including drone strikes on civilian targets. These incidents have fueled skepticism over Moscow’s sincerity.
Foreign dignitaries, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, are expected to attend the Victory Day parade on Red Square, further raising the profile of the brief ceasefire.
As both sides remain entrenched, international observers warn that symbolic pauses will have little impact unless followed by concrete steps toward ending the war.
With global attention fixed on Moscow next week, the coming days may test the willingness of both Russia and Ukraine to move from temporary gestures to lasting peace.
NAN
