Kremlin calls Ukraine’s response to Putin’s ceasefire proposal unclear and demands clarity

On Saturday, the Kremlin expressed its desire for a clear response from Ukraine regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin‘s proposal for a three-day ceasefire next week, criticizing the current reactions as vague and historically inaccurate.

Putin announced the ceasefire on Monday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union and its allies’ victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. The Kremlin indicated that the ceasefire would take place from May 8 to May 10, coinciding with the May 9 parade in Moscow, where Putin will welcome international leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Earlier on Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy seemed to dismiss the idea of such a short ceasefire, stating he would only agree to a ceasefire lasting a minimum of 30 days, a proposal that Putin has indicated requires significant negotiation. Zelenskiy also mentioned that, due to the ongoing conflict with Russia, Ukraine could not ensure the safety of any foreign dignitaries attending the May 9 parade in Moscow.

In response, Russia’s Foreign Ministry characterized his remarks as a threat, while Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, warned that if Ukraine were to attack Moscow during the May 9 festivities, there would be no guarantee that Kyiv would still exist by May 10.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov held a special conference call following Zelenskiy’s remarks. He informed the press that Putin’s three-day proposal was a means to evaluate Kyiv’s willingness to pursue a peaceful resolution to the conflict. ‘The response from the Ukrainian government to Russia’s ceasefire initiative serves as a measure of Ukraine’s commitment to peace. We expect clear and decisive statements, along with actions that genuinely aim to reduce tensions during the public holidays,’ Peskov stated.

He accused the Ukrainian leadership of promoting ‘neo-Nazism,’ a claim that Kyiv has consistently denied as unfounded, and of failing to appropriately honor the victory over Nazi Germany. Peskov also addressed media reports regarding Ukrainian soldiers participating in World War II commemorations in Britain, labeling the act as ‘sacrilege.’