Putin's ceasefire offer is ‘test' for Ukraine
Russia's proposed 72-hour Victory Day ceasefire is intended as a test to see if Ukraine really wants to settle the conflict, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said, adding that Moscow is waiting for actions that demonstrate Kiev's commitment to deescalation.
On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a ceasefire from May 8 to 10 to mark the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany. Moscow has said the initiative is based on 'humanitarian considerations' and that it could serve as a chance for 'the start of direct negotiations with Kiev without preconditions.' Ukraine, however, has called it a Russian ploy.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Peskov explained that the ceasefire offer is aimed at assessing whether Ukraine is prepared to engage in serious efforts to end the conflict.
'The reaction of the Ukrainian authorities… is a test of Ukraine's readiness for peace,' he said. 'We are waiting not for ambiguous, but definitive statements, and most importantly, actions aimed at deescalating the conflict during the holidays.'
Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky has described Moscow's offer as 'another attempt at manipulation,' which he said is meant to ensure calm during Russia's Victory Day parade on May 9. The event will be attended by numerous world leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic.
Zelensky instead called for an immediate 30-day ceasefire. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov suggested that he is trying to buy time for the retreating Ukrainian forces to regroup.
The Ukrainian leader also suggested that Kiev cannot guarantee the safety of foreign leaders planning to attend the celebrations in Moscow. Zelensky's comments drew a sharp rebuke from Moscow, with Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova interpreting them as a 'direct threat.'
The back-and-forth over a potential ceasefire comes as US President Donald Trump continues diplomatic efforts with both Moscow and Kiev to mediate a sustainable peace. His administration has urged the sides to engage in direct talks.
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