Presidential Office makes statement on ceasefire with Russia and does not rule out its extension
Photo: Kyrylo Budanov, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine (Getty Images)
Ukraine seeks a ceasefire with Russia to preserve human lives and restore security. If the ceasefire is mutual, it could be extended, according to the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov.
According to Budanov, the proposed ceasefire initiated by Kyiv demonstrates a genuine desire from the Ukrainian side to establish peace — without tying it to specific dates, but for the sake of saving lives and ensuring security.
"If the ceasefire declared by the president is mutual, we will extend it. And this will give us, even if a small one, hope for the establishment of lasting peace," said the head of the Office of the President.
He added that with this step, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has shown the entire world his commitment to ending the war. The next move, he said, must come from Russia.
"Is Moscow ready to prove that human life has at least some value for them? We are closely monitoring every move of the enemy and are prepared for any development of events," Budanov stressed.
Ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia
Yesterday, May 4, Russia’s Ministry of Defense announced an order from Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding a ceasefire with Ukraine on May 8–9 in honor of Victory Day.
Moscow took this step without coordination with Kyiv. Russia also threatened that if the celebrations are disrupted by attacks, a "massive missile strike" would be launched on the center of Ukraine’s capital.
In response, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is declaring a ceasefire with Russia starting at 00:00 on May 6.
He added that Ukrainian forces will act in a reciprocal manner.
