President Zelensky argues for substantial negotiations instead of short-term theatrical gestures from Russia amid ongoing tensions.
**Ukraine Dismisses Russia's Brief Cease-Fire Proposal as Insincere**
**Ukraine Dismisses Russia's Brief Cease-Fire Proposal as Insincere**
Ukrainian President challenges the three-day truce suggested by Russia, asserting a longer peace effort is essential.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky firmly rejected Russia’s proposal for a three-day cease-fire on Saturday, deeming it insufficient for meaningful negotiations toward a lasting peace. Zelensky labeled the brief truce—coinciding with the anniversary of World War II’s conclusion in Europe—as nothing more than a “theatrical show” designed to provide a semblance of normalcy for Russian President Vladimir Putin, especially as foreign dignitaries prepare to attend the Victory Day parade in Moscow on May 9.
The situation escalates further as Zelensky reminds that Ukraine previously agreed to a longer thirty-day cease-fire in March, which would facilitate discussions focused on stabilizing the armistice line, securing the nuclear power plant currently occupied by Russian forces, and considering the deployment of a European peacekeeping force.
Zelensky emphasized that the only real outcome would arise from genuine negotiations, stating, “We are either at war, or Putin shows he is ready to stop shooting as a first step to ending the war.” He reiterated Ukraine’s openness to initiate the previously proposed 30-day truce, hoping that Russia might reconsider its stance prior to the upcoming holiday.
The backdrop reveals a tense military landscape where a fleeting pause in hostilities is viewed by Ukraine not as a diplomatic olive branch, but rather a strategic maneuver by Russia aimed to alleviate international scrutiny during a critical commemorative period.
The situation escalates further as Zelensky reminds that Ukraine previously agreed to a longer thirty-day cease-fire in March, which would facilitate discussions focused on stabilizing the armistice line, securing the nuclear power plant currently occupied by Russian forces, and considering the deployment of a European peacekeeping force.
Zelensky emphasized that the only real outcome would arise from genuine negotiations, stating, “We are either at war, or Putin shows he is ready to stop shooting as a first step to ending the war.” He reiterated Ukraine’s openness to initiate the previously proposed 30-day truce, hoping that Russia might reconsider its stance prior to the upcoming holiday.
The backdrop reveals a tense military landscape where a fleeting pause in hostilities is viewed by Ukraine not as a diplomatic olive branch, but rather a strategic maneuver by Russia aimed to alleviate international scrutiny during a critical commemorative period.
