Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed a proposed three-day ceasefire by Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday, April 28, calling it a manipulative attempt to control the narrative of the ongoing war.
In a video message shared on the social media platform X, Zelensky questioned the sincerity of the Kremlin’s offer, which is set to take place from May 8 to 10, coinciding with Russia’s Victory Day celebrations.
“Now there’s a new attempt at manipulation: for some reason, everyone has to wait until May 8,” Zelensky said. “
If Russia truly wants peace, it must cease fire immediately.”
The ceasefire was announced earlier in the day by President Putin, with the Kremlin presenting it as a gesture of goodwill. However, Ukrainian officials swiftly rejected the proposal, criticizing both its brief duration and the timing, questioning the underlying motives.
Foreign Minister, Andriy Sybiga echoed Zelensky’s stance, calling instead for a minimum 30-day ceasefire.
“Why wait until May 8th?” he posted on X, urging Russia to halt hostilities without delay.
The proposal has also raised doubts among international observers. The United States called the upcoming week “critical” in assessing the sincerity of Russia’s peace efforts and the potential for a meaningful resolution to the conflict.
