If Russia really wants peace, it should cease fire immediately, not wait until 8 May. This is how Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha commented on Russia's announcement of a ceasefire to mark the day of victory in World War II.
In a post on X, the Ukrainian minister noted that Ukraine is ready to support a long-lasting and complete ceasefire. And it has already offered to do so.
‘Why wait until 8 May? If the fire can be stopped now and from any date for 30 days, it would be a reality, not just for a parade. Ukraine is ready to support a long-lasting, durable and complete ceasefire,’ he stressed.
Today, Moscow announced its decision to declare a "ceasefire" from 8 to 11 May — during the celebrations of the victory in the Second World War, which in Russia is referred to as the "Great Patriotic War."
- The previous time the Kremlin declared a ceasefire for Easter, the Russian army conducted more than 2,900 shelling attacks and continued assault operations.
- Ukraine agreed to the Easter ceasefire, but warned that it would reciprocate in the event of Russian shelling. In addition, it proposed to extend the ceasefire after Easter, but Russia did not respond and resumed full-scale hostilities.
- In general, Ukraine agrees to an unconditional cessation of hostilities and a halt to attacks on infrastructure, as it has repeatedly stated. But Russia does not show any desire to take these steps. Instead, it declares ‘ceasefires’ on its own, tying them to certain dates. This is happening against the backdrop of Washington's threats to withdraw from the negotiation process and take additional measures against Russia. And also against the backdrop of the Kremlin's desire to hold another parade in Moscow.