The Russian government rejected a proposal from Kyiv to extend a unilateral three-day ceasefire, a 30-day ceasefire announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin in early May.
,,,,,
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Moscow reviewed the proposals of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky but said some key issues must be addressed before any extended ceasefire is considered. “Without answers to these questions, it’s hard to enter a long ceasefire,” Peskov said, adding that this position reflects President Putin’s position.
In March, Putin outlined similar conditions when former U.S. President Donald Trump proposed a month-long ceasefire. In the requirement, Ukraine cannot use pauses to recombinate or reorganize, while Western weapons must be stopped. However, Putin did not offer reciprocal offers.
On Monday, Putin announced a unilateral ceasefire from May 8 to 11, consistent with the May 9 annual victory parade in Russia, marking the end of World War II. Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to participate in the event at Moscow Red Square.
Peskov described the brief ceasefire as a “good-intentioned gesture”, but Zelensky saw it as a calculation move by Putin to manipulate international views.
