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Zelensky: I will not play Putin's games with short ceasefires

2025-05-03 15:21:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected the three-day ceasefire announced by Russian leader Vladimir Putin, calling it a theatrical performance, but stressed that Kiev is ready for a complete ceasefire.

Russia has so far rejected an unconditional 30-day ceasefire proposed by Kiev and Washington, which is trying to broker an end to Russia's three-year occupation of Ukraine.

"This is more of a theatrical performance on his part. Because in two or three days it is impossible to draw up a plan for the next steps to end the war," Zelensky said.

Zelensky made these statements on Friday to a small group of journalists, statements that were under embargo until Saturday.

Zelensky said Ukraine would not "play games to create a pleasant atmosphere that would allow Putin to come out of isolation on May 9," when several foreign leaders are expected to travel to Moscow to attend events commemorating the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in 1945.

Russia's proposal is seen in Ukraine as an attempt to prevent Kiev from striking Moscow during the holiday, which includes a grand military parade in Moscow's Red Square and a speech by the Russian leader to the nation.

Ukraine has struck Moscow several times during the invasion, as well as targeting other targets across Russian territory.

According to the Kremlin, leaders of about 20 countries, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, have accepted the invitation to participate in this year's celebration.

Zelensky said that several countries have approached Kiev warning that they will travel to Russia and have requested guarantees for their safety.

"Our position is very simple towards all countries that have traveled or will travel to Russia on May 9, we cannot take responsibility for what happens on the territory of the Russian Federation," he responded.

"They are taking care of your safety," Zelensky added, warning that Russia "may take various steps on its part, such as arson, explosions and so on, and then blame us."

Russian officials have promised grand celebrations for May 9, during which Putin is expected to seek support for his troops fighting in Ukraine since 2022, when the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began.

Russian troops have made advances on some parts of the front line, while Moscow and Kiev have intensified air strikes.

The United States has warned that it may abandon efforts to broker a ceasefire if it does not see concrete progress.

Washington is aiming for "a complete and lasting ceasefire and an end to the conflict," and not just "a three-day moment," US State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said this week./ REL