There is no reason to delay a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia until May 8 just so President Vladimir Putin can ensure silence during the Victory Day parade, according to the evening address by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The leader of the country highlighted that the Russian forces attacked civilian targets in the Cherkasy area using Shahed drones. This took place as voices were growing louder for Russia to halt the conflict and initiate a truce.
“And each passing day serves as fresh evidence that substantial pressure should be exerted upon Russia, forcing them in Moscow to terminate this conflict—a war that solely benefits Russia,” Zelenskyy stressed.
He stressed that Ukraine is equally prepared to collaborate at an accelerated pace with every partner capable of assisting in the establishment of peace and ensuring security. On March 11, the nation consented to the U.S.-proposed full cessation of hostilities.
Kiev suggested to Moscow halting attacks on civilian areas or prolonging the Easter truce for a minimum of 30 days. Nonetheless, Russia dismissed these proposals and is currently attempting to mislead the United States.
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Currently, there is another effort to manipulate the situation: everybody is supposed to hold off until May 8th before observing a cease-fire, presumably to keepPutin quiet during the parade. Our priority is protecting people’s lives, rather than adhering to these parades.
That’s why we think the global community understands there’s no justification for waiting until May 8. The cessation of hostilities should not last just a few days before resuming violence,” he stated.
The president stated that solely an absolute and unconditional cease-fire lasting for a minimum of thirty days can establish a groundwork for genuine diplomatic efforts.
“Russia understands what actions to take and how to react in order to truly stop the fighting. We think that global pressure, particularly from the United States, could compel Russia towards making the necessary responses,” he stated.
Putin desires a truce on May 9.
On April 28, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a cease-fire set to begin on May 8 and end on May 10. His aim is for all fighting to stop throughout this duration.
The White House has already addressed this proposal from Putin. As stated by White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt, U.S. President Donald Trump seeks enduring peace rather than a temporary truce of merely a few days’ duration.
In a commentary for RBC-Ukraine’s YouTube channel, political analyst Volodymyr Fesenko elucidated the reasons behind the Kremlin’s desire for a truce on May 9.