Zelenskyy responds to Putin’s ceasefire idea: 'We value people's lives, not parades'
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
There is no reason to delay a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia until May 8 just so President Vladimir Putin can ensure silence during the Victory Day parade, according to the evening address by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The head of state reminded that the Russian army struck civilian infrastructure in the Cherkasy region with Shahed drones. This occurred against the backdrop of calls for Russia to end the war and start a ceasefire.
"So every new day is another clear proof that pressure must be applied to Russia, and it must be significant, so that they, in Moscow, are forced to end this war - a war that only Russia needs," Zelenskyy emphasized.
He emphasized that Ukraine is also ready to work as quickly as possible with all partners who can help establish peace and ensure security. On March 11, the country agreed to the American proposal for a complete ceasefire.
Kyiv also proposed to Moscow to halt strikes on civilian targets or extend the Easter ceasefire for at least 30 days. However, Russia rejected these ideas and is now trying to deceive the United States.
"Now there is yet another attempt at manipulation: for some reason, everyone is expected to wait until May 8, and only then ceasefire. To ensure silence for Putin during the parade. We value people's lives, not parades. That is why we believe the world sees that there is no reason to wait until May 8. Fire must be ceased not for a few days, only to resume killing afterward," he said.
According to the president, only a complete and unconditional ceasefire of at least 30 days can provide a foundation for real diplomacy.
"Russia knows what to do and how to respond, to genuinely cease fire. And we believe the world’s pressure, the pressure from the United States, can push Russia toward the response that is needed," he added.
Putin wants a ceasefire on May 9
Today, April 28, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a ceasefire from May 8 to May 10. He wants all hostilities to be halted during this period.
The White House has already responded to this initiative from Putin. According to White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt, US President Donald Trump wants lasting peace, not a ceasefire for just a few days.
Meanwhile, political analyst Volodymyr Fesenko, in a comment to RBC-Ukraine’s YouTube channel, explained why the Kremlin leader wants a ceasefire on May 9.
