President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi reacted to Vladimir Putin’s statement regarding the three-day “truce”, saying that this is another attempt at manipulation.
“Now it’s another attempt at manipulation: for some reason everyone should wait for May 8 and only then cease fire to ensure Putin’s silence during the parade. We value people’s lives, not parades. That is why we believe – the world believes – that there is no reason to wait for May 8. And the fire should not be stopped for a few days, only to kill again. An immediate, complete and unconditional ceasefire – and at least for 30 days, to be guaranteed and reliable – this is what can provide the basis for real diplomacy.” – noted Zelensky.
The President recalled that Ukraine supported the US proposal for complete silence on March 11. Kyiv also offered Russia bilaterally to stop strikes at least on civilian objects. Ukraine then proposed a complete ceasefire for Easter with an extension for another 30 days. However, Russia “rejects and manipulates the world, tries to deceive the United States.”
Zelensky emphasized that the fire should be stopped immediately and completely:
“There should be a cease-fire not for a few days to kill again. An immediate, complete and unconditional cease-fire — and for at least 30 days to be guaranteed and reliable — is what can provide the basis for real diplomacy.”
We will remind that on April 28, Vladimir Putin announced a new “truce” in the war against Ukraine, which should last for three days – from 00:00 on May 8 to 00:00 on May 11. Moscow said that the so-called “truce” was announced in connection with May 9, when Russia celebrates “Victory Day” in the Second World War.
The Kremlin’s message states that “the Ukrainian side must join the ceasefire.” At the same time, Moscow threatened to “retaliate” in case of “ceasefire violation” by Ukraine.
