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Ukrainian President Zelenskyy rejected Putin's proposed three-day ceasefire, demanding a 30-day halt instead to enable real diplomacy. Putin announced the ceasefire to mark Victory Day in May.
Zelenskyy stated that Russia has consistently rejected everything and continues to manipulate the world.
UPDATED: Apr 29, 2025 01:59 IST
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Monday that the world cannot wait until May 8 for Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin's proposed ceasefire, especially if it is only for a few days.
In his video address, Zelenskyy said," Russia has consistently rejected everything and continues to manipulate the world, trying to deceive the United States. Now, yet again, another attempt at manipulation: for some reason everyone is supposed to wait until May 8 before ceasefire — just to provide Putin with silence for his parade.
"We value human lives, not parades. That’s why we believe — and the world believes — that there is no reason to wait until May 8. And the ceasefire should be not for a few days only to resume the killing afterward," Zelenskyy said.
We in Ukraine never wanted a single second of this war. Back on March 11, we responded positively to the American proposal for a full ceasefire. We made our own proposal to Russia – bilaterally – to halt strikes at least on civilian targets. We also proposed making the Easter pic.twitter.com/Tp9EiF0yFp— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) April 28, 2025
"It must be immediate, full, and unconditional — for at least 30 days to ensure it is secure and guaranteed. This is the foundation that could lead to real diplomacy," Zelenskyy said.
PUTIN DECLARES 3-DAY CEASEFIRE
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a three-day ceasefire in Ukraine next month to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's and its allies' victory in World War II.
A ceasefire will take effect at midnight on May 8 (2100 GMT May 7) and continue through May 10. The Kremlin announced that Putin has ordered a complete halt to hostilities "on humanitarian grounds" to mark Victory Day on May 9.
"During this period, all military actions will cease. Russia believes that the Ukrainian side should follow this example," the Kremlin said in a statement.
However, it warned that any violations by Ukrainian forces would be met with an "adequate and effective response" from Russia's military.
Putin had earlier announced an Easter truce earlier this month — a gesture Ukraine claimed was hollow, citing nearly 3,000 violations by Russian forces during the ceasefire period.
ALSO READ: Putin declares 3-day ceasefire in Ukraine on May 8-10 for WW II victory day
Published By:
Satyam Singh
Published On:
Apr 29, 2025
