**Ukrainians Skeptical of Russia’s Proposed Ceasefire During WWII Anniversary**

Fri Jul 11 2025 11:52:31 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)
**Ukrainians Skeptical of Russia’s Proposed Ceasefire During WWII Anniversary**

As Russia announces a three-day pause in fighting coinciding with World War II Victory Day, many Ukrainians view it as a superficial gesture rather than a genuine peace effort.


Ukrainian President Zelensky and citizens express distrust, recalling previous ceasefire violations by Russia, and emphasize the need for solid guarantees to ensure their safety.

In a move largely dismissed by the Ukrainian populace, Russia is poised to initiate a self-declared three-day ceasefire starting Wednesday night. This announcement aligns with the upcoming Victory Day on May 9, marking 80 years since the end of World War II in Europe. President Volodymyr Zelensky described the proposal, suggested by President Vladimir Putin, as a "theatrical show" without substance, further complicating the already tense situation amid ongoing conflict.

Despite Putin's gestures, Ukraine remains skeptical, particularly as the proposed ceasefire contradicts a previous offer by the Trump administration for a more extended 30-day pause, which Ukraine accepted. Zelensky promptly rejected Russia's unilateral ceasefire, stating there would be no safety guarantees for a military parade planned in Moscow.

The prevailing sentiment among Ukrainians is one of deep distrust towards Russian intentions, as evidenced by polls indicating that approximately 95% of individuals in Ukraine do not trust their aggressor. Those living in heavily affected areas like Sumy express concerns that the shelling has recently intensified, with some residents like shopkeeper Tetyana Kondratenko stating, "I don't believe there will be any ceasefire," and recalling Russia's past tactics of using proposed truces to regroup militarily.

Meanwhile, those burdened by ongoing violence find themselves yearning for any temporary respite. In Zaporizhzhia, resident Antonina Sienina, who has lost family to Russian strikes, presented a conflicted view: while she would welcome even a day free from explosions, she insists any ceasefire must include solid guarantees for Ukraine’s safety and sovereignty.

In another troubling development, the capital city of Kyiv endured overnight airstrikes, with a ballistic missile intercepted by air defenses and a drone attack tragically resulting in civilian casualties. Observers note that Moscow's air defenses reportedly neutralized numerous Ukrainian drones, yet the Kremlin's insistence on remaining undeterred by ongoing attacks raises further questions about the legitimacy of the announced pause.

Former Ukrainian foreign minister Pavlo Klimkin asserted that this is merely an attempt by Russia to manipulate the narrative while projecting strength, suggesting it primarily serves as an internal propaganda tool rather than a meaningful gesture towards peace.

While discussions for a more comprehensive ceasefire began months ago, the current atmosphere remains rife with violence and loss. The UN has reported increased civilian fatalities, prompting varied opinions among the Ukrainian public on the subject of agreeability to any ceasefire terms, even under Russian conditions. Some believe the urgent need to save lives may necessitate difficult decisions, reflecting a complex desire for peace amid the realities of ongoing warfare.

As skepticism reigns, analysts assert Ukraine's readiness for a true ceasefire lies outside the parameters of Russia's proposed agenda. Mykhailo Samus, a military analyst, encapsulated the sentiment succinctly: “Why would we play Putin's game? We are ready for a real ceasefire."

MORE ON THEME

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 05:41:04 GMT

**Kurdish PKK Begins Disarmament Process, Paving Path Towards Peace in Turkey Conflict**

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 05:41:04 GMT
Thu, 10 Jul 2025 16:37:29 GMT

Escalating Drone Warfare in Ukraine: A New Phase of Fear and Resilience

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 16:37:29 GMT
Thu, 10 Jul 2025 14:50:20 GMT

### Pentagon Enhances Drone Defense Strategies Amid Evolving Warfare Tactics

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 14:50:20 GMT
Thu, 10 Jul 2025 10:43:39 GMT

Trump Shifts Stance: European Leaders Encourage Enhanced Sanctions Against Russia

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 10:43:39 GMT
Thu, 10 Jul 2025 09:28:29 GMT

Russia Intensifies Assault on Kyiv Amid Diplomatic Tensions

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 09:28:29 GMT
Thu, 10 Jul 2025 05:12:14 GMT

Russia Launches Largest Drone Assault on Ukraine Amid Growing Tensions

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 05:12:14 GMT
Thu, 10 Jul 2025 04:08:38 GMT

Strengthening Alliances: Starmer and Macron Forge Nuclear Pact for Europe

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 04:08:38 GMT
Thu, 10 Jul 2025 02:33:46 GMT

Kyiv Endures Renewed Assault as Russian Drone Strikes Intensify

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 02:33:46 GMT
Thu, 10 Jul 2025 00:58:19 GMT

Russia Intensifies Multi-Front Assault in Ukraine Amidst Staunch Resistance

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 00:58:19 GMT
Wed, 09 Jul 2025 21:26:23 GMT

Escalation in Ukraine: Record Drone Strikes Amid New U.S. Arms Commitment**

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 21:26:23 GMT
Wed, 09 Jul 2025 18:36:42 GMT

Bipartisan Push Grows for Sanctions on Russian Oil Purchases

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 18:36:42 GMT
Wed, 09 Jul 2025 14:45:37 GMT

Moscow Responds to Trump's Frustration as U.S.-Russia Relations Chill

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 14:45:37 GMT
Wed, 09 Jul 2025 14:07:08 GMT

Putin Doubles Down on Ukraine Despite Trump’s Disappointment

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 14:07:08 GMT
Wed, 09 Jul 2025 13:33:05 GMT

European Court Condemns Russia for Rights Violations in Ukraine

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 13:33:05 GMT
Wed, 09 Jul 2025 12:57:53 GMT

Record Drone Barrage on Ukraine Amid Shifting U.S. Military Support

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 12:57:53 GMT
Wed, 09 Jul 2025 12:23:26 GMT

Ceasefire Negotiations Between Israel and Hamas Stalled Amidst Talks in Qatar

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 12:23:26 GMT
Wed, 09 Jul 2025 10:43:44 GMT

### Ukraine Faces Unprecedented Drone Assault Following Trump's Critique of Putin

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 10:43:44 GMT
Wed, 09 Jul 2025 07:04:15 GMT

Trump and Netanyahu Discuss Gaza Ceasefire in High-Stakes Talks

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 07:04:15 GMT
Wed, 09 Jul 2025 00:10:39 GMT

Trump Signals Stronger U.S. Support for Ukraine Amidst Growing Frustration with Putin

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 00:10:39 GMT
Tue, 08 Jul 2025 23:37:52 GMT

Trump's New Stance on Ukraine: A Forceful Rejection of Putin's Peace Gestures

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 23:37:52 GMT

Follow us

© 2024 SwissX REDD UK ltd. All Rights Reserved.