Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he did not want to “play” with the short truces proposed by his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, including a ceasefire from May 8 to 10. For its part, Russia accuses him of uttering a “direct threat” against the security of the May 9 celebrations.
“It is impossible to agree on something in three, five or seven days. Let’s be honest. It is a theatrical performance on his part (In Vladimir Putin, editor’s note). In two or three days, it is impossible to find a plan to establish the next steps to finish the war. It does not seem serious, “said the Ukrainian president.
“Nobody will help Putin playing this kind of game to give a sweet atmosphere to its release of isolation on May 9, and to make it comfortable and safe the leaders, friends and partners of Putin who will come to the Red Square, for a reason or another,” he added.
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“Security not guaranteed”
This year, the leaders of around twenty countries must be held alongside Vladimir Putin on May 9 for the celebrations of the 80th anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany. There will be Chinese presidents Xi Jinping and Brazilian Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva, as well as those of traditional Moscow Allies such as Kazakhstan, Belarus, Cuba or Venezuela.
Volodymyr Zelensky also said that kyiv could not guarantee the “security” of international leaders present. “We do not know what Russia will do on this date. It could take different measures, such as fires, explosions, and then accuse us,” said the Ukrainian president.
Russia accuses Zelensky of uttering a “threat”
For its part, Russia accused Volodymyr Zelensky of threatening the security of its May 9 commemorations.
-“He threatens the physical security of the veterans who will come to the parades and celebrations of this sacred day,” castigated the spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maria Zakharova, on Telegram. “His statement (…) is of course, a direct threat”.
“Total and unconditional ceasefire”
kyiv asks for “a total and unconditional ceasefire” as a prerequisite for any negotiation with Russia, which repeats that it is ready to negotiate with Ukraine, but is however reluctant on a prolonged truce.
Because Moscow, whose army currently has the advantage on the front, says it fears that a cease-fire will allow kyiv to regain strength, with the military support of his allies.
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US support
The White House argued on Monday that Donald Trump wanted a “permanent” ceasefire in Ukraine and not only a temporary truce such as that announced by Vladimir Putin for three days, from May 8 to 10.
Volodymyr Zelensky estimated on Friday evening that his meeting with the American president in the Vatican, April 26, had allowed the latter to see “a little differently” the conflict in Ukraine.
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