Why Putin wants a ceasefire on May 9: Political scientist's opinion
Photo: Russian President Vladimir Putin (Getty Images)
Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed a ceasefire for May 9, as it is the most important holiday of the year for him. The Kremlin leader invited many foreign guests to the parade and does not want, for example, an air raid alert due to a drone attack to spoil the event, states political scientist Volodymyr Fesenko in a comment to the RBC-Ukraine YouTube channel.
"Well, for him (Putin – ed.), it really is the most important holiday of the year, especially on such a significant anniversary. And it's also important because he invited many foreign guests to his anniversary celebration. Just imagine, an anniversary, a holiday, on the tribune of the Mausoleum, and then an air raid alert, drones flying somewhere towards Balashikha, let's say I’m speaking hypothetically about Balashikha, or somewhere else. It would be uncomfortable," said Fesenko.
At the same time, he agrees with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha’s statement that "we shouldn’t fall for Russia's game, claiming that it has already won the war and that we should agree to peace terms."
"We need to show that no, Russia is not the one playing the game, and that the game may not go according to the planned scenario. So, I think that indeed, a counterplay is needed, we need asymmetric, sometimes even mirror steps, to break Russia’s game," noted the political scientist.
He reminded that Ukraine has done this several times before, particularly when it agreed to a 30-day ceasefire, which "broke Putin’s game at the time."
"Now, I think something like that is needed. If Putin is ready to announce a temporary ceasefire from time to time, let’s see. Let’s test him, let him also fulfill the ceasefire. Then we will decide whether we agree to May 9 or not," Fesenko added.
Putin announces ceasefire for Victory Day celebrations
Russian President Vladimir Putin, "for humanitarian reasons," announced a temporary ceasefire in the war during the 80th anniversary of Victory Day.
According to the Kremlin, the so-called ceasefire is supposed to last from midnight on May 7 to May 8 until midnight on May 10 to 11. During this period, the Russian side promises to "halt all combat operations."
Russia urges the Ukrainian side to "follow suit" and threatens to "respond" in case of any violations of the ceasefire.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha commented on Putin's proposal for a ceasefire ahead of Victory Day.
He said there is no need to wait for a specific date to announce a ceasefire if Russia truly wants peace.
"If Russia truly wants peace, it should cease fire immediately. Why wait until May 8? If a ceasefire can be announced now, for any date and for 30 days, so that it’s real, not just for the parade," said the foreign minister.
