The “truce” suggested by Vladimir Putin from 7 to 9 May is a theatrical gesture, President Zelenskyy said during a meeting with journalists on 2 May. He noted the symbolic timing — it was on 7 May, 25 years ago, that Putin became President of the Russian Federation.
Such a proposal, Zelenskyy argued, serves the interests of Putin and his allies, including those expected to attend the 9 May parade in Moscow. Moreover, it may be an attempt by the Kremlin to signal responsiveness to messages sent by the United States through Special Representative Steve Witkoff.
However, the United States has advocated for an unconditional ceasefire — a position Ukraine supports. Kyiv insists that such a ceasefire must last at least one month. Zelenskyy stressed that it is unrealistic to develop a framework for ending the war within just three days.
“And so it just doesn’t look very serious — or very sincere. It’s merely a game to create a comfortable atmosphere for Putin to emerge from isolation on 9 May, and to ensure his guests — the leaders, friends, or partners who will come to Kremlin Square for one reason or another — feel safe and reassured. No one will help Putin. We are either at war, or Putin is truly ready for a ceasefire as a first step toward ending the war. We are ready to start on the 1st, 3rd, or 5th. If he insists on the 7th — we do not object. From the 7th — for 30 days,” the President of Ukraine stated.
Zelenskyy reiterated that Ukraine’s actions will be reciprocal — if Russia opens fire, it will receive a response. He added that the White House had assured Kyiv that it recognises the true motives behind the Russian proposal and likewise considers the three-day truce to be disingenuous.
Russian proposal for “truce” until 9 May
- On 28 April, Russia announced its intention to halt fire starting 8 May — implying that the final shelling would occur on 7 May, with a ceasefire promised until the 11th.
- Ukraine’s Deputy Head of the Presidential Office, Andriy Sybiha, responded that if Russia genuinely seeks peace, it should cease fire immediately rather than delay until 8 May.
- During a previous ceasefire declared by the Kremlin for Easter, the Russian military carried out more than 2,900 shelling attacks and continued offensive operations. Ukraine, which had agreed to the Easter ceasefire, warned it would respond in the event of Russian aggression. Kyiv also proposed extending the ceasefire beyond Easter — a suggestion Russia ignored before resuming full-scale hostilities.
- Ukraine has consistently supported an unconditional cessation of hostilities and an end to attacks on infrastructure. However, Russia has shown no willingness to commit to these terms — instead issuing unilateral “ceasefire” declarations tied to politically significant dates. This latest proposal comes amid growing pressure from Washington, which has threatened to withdraw from negotiations and consider further measures against Russia, and alongside the Kremlin’s intention to proceed with another parade in Moscow.