Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday, April 28, rejected a proposed three-day ceasefire from Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling it a manipulative effort to shape the narrative of the ongoing war.
In a video posted on social media platform X, Zelensky cast doubt on the Kremlin’s intentions behind the proposal, which is set to run from May 8 to 10 to align with Russia’s Victory Day celebrations.
“This is just another attempt at manipulation—why wait until May 8?” Zelensky said. “If Russia truly wants peace, it should stop its attacks immediately.”
The ceasefire was earlier framed by Putin as a goodwill gesture, but Ukrainian officials quickly dismissed the offer, criticizing its short duration and questioning the motives behind the timing.
Ukraine’s Deputy Head of the Presidential Office, Andriy Sybiga, reinforced Zelensky’s message, calling for at least a 30-day ceasefire. “Why not stop the violence now?” he wrote on X.
The proposal has also drawn skepticism from the international community. U.S. officials described the coming days as “critical” in assessing whether Russia’s peace overtures are genuine or simply strategic.