Putin Calls for May 9 Ceasefire — Zelensky Says It’s “Manipulation”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed a proposed May 9 ceasefire by Russian President Vladimir Putin as a “manipulative” gesture intended to provide cover for Moscow’s Victory Day military parade, calling instead for a broader, unconditional 30-day truce.

We value people’s lives, not parades,” Zelensky said in an April 28 evening address. “That is why we believe — the world believes — that there is no reason to wait for May 8. And the fire must cease for more than a few days, so that we can kill again.

Zelensky called for an “immediate, complete, and unconditional” 30-day ceasefire, adding that only a sustained truce could serve as the basis for meaningful diplomacy. He also noted that Ukraine had already accepted a U.S.-backed proposal in March for a one-month pause in hostilities.

The White House reiterated its position, with Press Secretary Caroline Levitt stating that President Donald Trump supports a permanent ceasefire and is growing increasingly disillusioned with both Putin and Zelensky amid continued fighting.

The Kremlin earlier announced a unilateral ceasefire from May 8 to May 11 to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described the move as “an expression of goodwill,” while warning that any violations by Ukrainian forces would be met with “an adequate and effective response.”

A similar truce was declared by Russia during Easter from April 19 to April 21. Ukraine initially supported the pause and expressed willingness to extend it, but Moscow declined.

According to Zelensky, Russian forces violated the agreement nearly 3,000 times during the brief ceasefire.

Putin claimed over 4,900 violations by Ukrainian forces but acknowledged a general decrease in activity.

“We welcome this and are ready to look to the future,” Putin said.