Zelenskyy Rejects Russia’s Three-Day Ceasefire, Calls for 30-Day Halt
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday rejected Russia’s proposal for a three-day ceasefire, insisting on a 30-day break in hostilities instead.
Speaking in Kyiv on Friday, with comments embargoed until Saturday, Zelenskyy dismissed the ceasefire offer made by Russian President Vladimir Putin to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the 1945 victory over Nazi Germany, calling it a “theatrical performance.”
Zelenskyy based his rejection on a U.S. proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, arguing that meaningful peace talks require a longer suspension of hostilities.
He also warned foreign leaders against attending the May 9 Victory Day celebrations in Moscow, saying Ukraine could not be held accountable for actions within Russia’s borders and would not offer any security guarantees.
Russian officials quickly condemned Zelenskyy’s comments. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused him of threatening foreign leaders intending to participate in the May 9 event.
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev also criticized Zelenskyy, urging him to refrain from further “verbal provocations.”
