How Ukraine should respond to Putin's new ceasefire proposal: Political expert's opinion
Photo: Russian President Vladimir Putin (Getty Images)
Putin has once again proposed a ceasefire for May 9. Ukraine should respond to these proposals with a mirror approach to maintain strategic initiative, stated political scientist Volodymyr Fesenko in a comment for the RBC-Ukraine YouTube channel.
According to the political scientist, with the ceasefire proposal for May 9, Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to show that he controls the negotiation process to end the war in Ukraine.
"He is demonstrating that he decides and controls the process. But undoubtedly, there is a propagandist element to these ideas. I understand that the Kremlin positively assessed what happened with this Easter ceasefire," Fesenko said.
Putin’s games
However, in reality, according to the expert, the Russian dictator continues to manipulate and play games.
"Actually, this is a double game in Putin's style: 'The war continues, and supposedly, there is a ceasefire.' This is a classic Putin move. We've seen this after the Minsk agreements. Now, Putin offers the same game," the political scientist added.
But besides the game, Putin's proposal for a ceasefire, according to Fesenko, is also a response to US President Donald Trump, who wants Ukraine and Russia to quickly agree on a ceasefire.
Ukraine’s mirror response
"Putin says, 'I’m ready, but I’m tying it to May 9.' Well, here’s an idea for a response: I suggest the Ukrainian leadership also announce a ceasefire starting May 1. And the implementation of this ceasefire should be a condition for agreeing to the ceasefire on May 9," Fesenko proposed.
May 1 would be chosen to ensure that during negotiations, there is a ceasefire, and the negotiating parties demonstrate their real readiness for a truce, the political scientist explained.
"Well, in the end, informally, unofficially, Putin already made a gift to Trump for three months of his presidency, and now we are making a similar gift for 100 days. I think we need to use the same tactic. Why should only Putin play these games? To devalue his game, we need to respond in kind. And if he refuses, then, sorry, there will be no ceasefire on May 9," Fesenko emphasized.
Putin’s ceasefire
Today, Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced a temporary ceasefire in the Ukraine war on the 80th anniversary of Victory Day “for humanitarian reasons”.
According to the Kremlin, this ceasefire will supposedly last from midnight on May 7-8 to midnight on May 10-11. During this period, Russia promises to stop all military actions.
Russia has called on Ukraine to follow suit and threatens to retaliate in case of violation of the ceasefire.
The Center for Counteracting Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine called Putin’s proposal for a new ceasefire from May 8 to 10 a manipulation.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that if Russia wants peace, it must stop the fire immediately, not wait until May 8.
