Russia threatens Kyiv with 'May 10 will not come' as Zelenskyy rejects ceasefire proposal

Speaking to reporters today, the Ukrainian President called Putin's proposal for a three-day ceasefire "a theater performance." He instead proposed a 30-day ceasefire. Zelenskyy also clarified that Ukraine cannot provide any security guarantees to world leaders planning to attend the parade in Moscow, saying that it is Russia's responsibility.

His statements triggered an outburst from the Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, who called it "a classic threat from an international terrorist." She also claimed that the rejection of a three-day ceasefire was a direct threat to world leaders expected to arrive in Moscow on May 9.

"Now he’s threatening physical danger to veterans who will attend parades and commemorative events on this sacred day," Zakharova wrote on Telegram.

Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev also lashed out at Zelenskyy's comments and issued a threat of his own. He warned that "in the event of a real provocation on Victory Day, no one can guarantee that May 10 will come for Kyiv."

A Russian-style ceasefire

In mid-April, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the Easter ceasefire that would last through April 21. But Russian forces violated it almost immediately. They continued shelling Ukrainian positions on the front lines and attacking civilians.

Then, on April 28, Putin declared a new ceasefire supposedly set to last from May 8 through May 11. During this time, the Kremlin leader plans to hold a parade marking Russia's so-called Victory Day on May 9.

Ukraine said the Putin ceasefire will not change the course of the war. Kyiv warned it would only benefit Russia. Instead, Ukrainian officials proposed accepting a US-backed initiative for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire. Russia rejected it.