Zelenskyy Calls Russia's Victory Day Ceasefire Proposal 'Strange Logic'

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has sharply rebuked Russia's proposal for a temporary ceasefire, dismissing it as a cynical ploy to facilitate Moscow's Victory Day celebrations. In his evening address, Zelenskyy articulated a clear-eyed assessment: Russia's offer, extending from May 8 to 10, is not a genuine move towards peace but a tactical maneuver to ensure the safety of their annual military parade on May 9. "They want to hold a parade, to be safe in Red Square for an hour each year, and then continue the war as usual," Zelenskyy stated, highlighting the perceived absurdity and insincerity of the Russian proposal. He pointed to Russia's own public discussions of post-May 9 attacks as evidence that the ceasefire is merely symbolic. This Ukrainian perspective underscores a deep-seated distrust of Moscow's intentions, viewing any such gestures as propaganda rather than a prelude to meaningful de-escalation. For Ukraine, the best way to honor the sacrifices of World War II is not through a hollow ceasefire, but by achieving lasting peace in Europe, a goal they believe requires continued international support, particularly from the United States, to counter Russian aggression.

“

They want to hold a parade, to be safe in Red Square for an hour each year, and then continue the war as usual.