After Russian leaders proposed a one-sided three-day ceasefire to coincide with Moscow’s victory day, Ukrainian President Voldimir Zelenki accused Vladimir Putin of “playing a game.”
“This is his more theatrical performance, because in a few days it is impossible to develop a plan for the next step to end the war,” Zelensky told a small group of journalists on Friday in a note that was banned until Saturday.
Russia announced 72 hours of hostilities starting on May 8, but so far it has rejected an unconditional 30-day ceasefire promoted by Ukraine and the United States.
Zelenskyy said Ukraine would not play games to create a comfortable atmosphere to allow Putin to escape on May 9, when some foreign leaders are scheduled in Moscow for the commemoration of Russia’s World War II.”
Zelenskyy rejected the 72-hour truce offer as “unsafe,” adding instead that Kyiv is open to the 30-day truce proposal advocated by the US.
He said Ukraine cannot guarantee the safety of foreign officials who came to Moscow for the traditional May 9 victory parade.
“We cannot be held responsible for what happens in the territory of the Russian Federation. They are responsible for your security. Therefore, we will not give you any guarantees,” he said in a comment released by the presidential administration.
In response, Russia accused Zelensky of threatening the security of World War II commemorations and said that if Ukraine attacked Moscow at the May 9th celebration, it cannot guarantee that Kiev will survive on May 10th.
“He is threatening the physical safety of veterans who come to parades and celebrate on Holy Day,” Dmitry Medvedev, vice-president of the Russian Security Council, told Telegram. “His statement is… of course a direct threat.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that Putin’s offer was a test of preparation for peace in Ukraine, and of course awaits an action aimed at excluding a conclusive statement and, most importantly, disputes over public holidays.”
Zelensky also said last week he discussed the air defense system and sanctions on Russia with President Donald Trump on the sidelines of Pope Francis’ funeral at the Vatican.
Zelensky raised the topic of sanctions against Trump and Russia at the improvisation meeting, saying Trump’s response to the question was “very strong.” He gave no details.
The Ukrainian leader also said the key mineral trade, signed with the US on Wednesday, is mutually beneficial and that Ukraine can protect future US investments, its own territory and people.
The heavily promoted by Trump provides priority US access to the new Ukrainian mineral trade and unlocks US investment in reconstruction. Ukrainian MP Yaroslav Zheleznyak confirmed that Parliament will vote to ratify the agreement on May 8th.
The Ukrainian president also confirmed that plans are ongoing to convenes negotiations for a new round with the United States, which could be hosted in Ukraine. “That’s a positive sign,” he said.
However, some voices within the Trump administration remained skeptical, and Vice President JD Vance told Fox News Network on Thursday that the war in Ukraine “is not going to end anytime soon.”
“We’ve stopped this brutal and brutal conflict, reached an agreement and we’re not going anywhere,” he added.
Diplomatic efforts continue behind the scenes, but the situation on earth remains disastrous.
The Russian drone attack later Friday injured at least 47 people in 12 locations in Halicket, the second largest city in Ukraine, local governments said. Mayor Ikhor Telekov and regional governor Ole Siniekhovov said residential buildings and private infrastructure were one of their goals.
The Ukrainian air force reported that it had intercepted 77 of the 183 Russian-launched drones, saying another 73 could be electronically clogged. Russia also fired two ballistic missiles.
Meanwhile, Moscow’s Defense Ministry claimed it had defeated 170 Ukrainian drones and intercepted several cruises and guided missiles.
Four people were injured in a drone attack on Novorossiysk, a Black Sea port in southern Russia, according to Krasnodar Regional Governor Veniamin Kondratyev.