Zelenskyy rejects Russia's 3-day ceasefire proposal

By Elena Teslova

MOSOW (AA) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday rejected a Russian proposal for a three-day ceasefire, insisting instead on a 30-day halt to hostilities.

Speaking at a press briefing with a small group of journalists in Kyiv on Friday—with remarks embargoed until Saturday— Zelenskyy dismissed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s ceasefire offer, which was proposed to mark the 80th anniversary of the 1945 victory over Nazi Germany, as a "theatrical performance."

Zelenskyy said he based his refusal on a US proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, arguing that any meaningful negotiations require a longer timeframe.

He also cautioned foreign leaders against visiting Moscow on May 9 and taking part in the Victory Day celebrations.

"We cannot be responsible for what is happening on the territory of the Russian Federation. They provide you with security, and therefore we will not give you any guarantees," he said.

Russian officials characterized Zelenskyy’s remarks as threatening. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused him of directly threatening foreign leaders planning to attend the May 9 event.

Former President Dmitry Medvedev also criticized Zelenskyy, urging him to refrain from “verbal provocations.”