Ukraine, Russia issue threats as three-day ceasefire proposal crumbles – Washington Examiner
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed skepticism regarding a recent three-day ceasefire proposal from Russian President Vladimir Putin, suggesting instead a longer 30-day truce supported by the United States. The proposed ceasefire coincides with World war II Victory Day celebrations, which will be attended by Chinese President Xi jinping. Zelensky referred to the three-day truce as a potential manipulation and stated Ukraine would not provide any safety guarantees during the parade.
In response, Russia criticized zelensky’s comments, with officials suggesting his statements posed a threat and implying that Ukraine might face consequences if provocations occurred during Victory Day. Both nations have issued threats as ceasefire negotiations crumble, and the United States may withdraw from its mediating role. Previous ceasefire attempts have been largely ineffective, with claims of violations from both sides.
Ukraine, Russia issue threats as three-day ceasefire proposal crumbles
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky suggested that his military would not abide by a three-day ceasefire laid out by Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this week, instead offering a longer 30-day truce that is backed by the United States.
Putin announced on Monday a suspension of “all military actions” from midnight May 8 to midnight May 11 to coincide with World War II Victory Day commemorations, celebrations that will be attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping. Zelensky was already hesitant about the ceasefire, calling it “manipulation,” but his remarks to reporters on Saturday included him saying Ukraine would not offer any safety guarantees on May 9, the day of the parade.
According to Newsweek, Zelensky said Kyiv “cannot be responsible” for what happens on Russian territory during the parade.
The Ukrainian president offered no details on any planned attacks, but continued to slam the ceasefire announcement, which he called a “theatrical show.”
“We are simply either at war, or Putin shows he is ready to stop shooting as a first step to ending the war,” Zelensky added.
Meanwhile, Russia blasted Zelensky’s comments over the weekend, with Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova calling them a “direct threat.” Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council Dmitri Medvedev also said “in the event of a real provocation on Victory Day, nobody guarantees Kyiv will see May 10.”
The threats from both sides come as ceasefire negotiations have collapsed, with the United States signaling it may be stepping away from its role as mediator between Russia and Ukraine.
A previous Easter weekend truce announced by Putin also proved ineffectual, with fighting largely continuing and Ukraine claiming Russia violated it nearly 3,000 times.
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