Zelensky Dismisses Putin’s Ceasefire Offer As ‘Theatrical’, Says He ‘Can’t Guarantee’ Safety In Russia On May 9

<p data-pm-slice=”0 0 []”>Russia has till now rejected an unconditional 30-day ceasefire pushed by Kyiv and Washington, which is trying to bring an end to the three-year-long war.</p>
<p data-pm-slice=”0 0 []”>”This is more of a theatrical performance on his part. Because in two or three days, it is impossible to develop a plan for the next steps to end the war,” Zelensky said, as quoted by news agency AFP.</p>
<p>Zelensky said that Ukraine would not be “playing games to create a pleasant atmosphere to allow for Putin’s exit from isolation on 9 May,” when some foreign leaders are due in Moscow for Russian World War II commemorations.</p>
<p>According to news agency AFP, the proposal by Russia is being seen in Ukraine as an attempt to prevent Kyiv from hitting Moscow on the holiday. Ukraine has several times hit Moscow during the invasion as well as targets across Russia.</p>
<p>The leaders of 20 countries, according to AFP, warned that they were travelling to Russia and had requested safety.</p>
<p>”Our position is very simple towards all countries that have travelled or are travelling to Russia on May 9 &ndash; we cannot take responsibility for what is happening on the territory of the Russian Federation,” he answered.</p>
<p>”They are ensuring your safety,” Zelensky said, adding Russia “may take various steps on its part, such as arson, explosions, and so on, and then blame us.”</p>
<p>The Russian officials, according to the report, have promised grand celebrations for the occasion, during which President Putin will seek to rally support for his troops fighting in Ukraine.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, the United States wants a complete, durable ceasefire and an end to the conflict rather than a three-day moment, reports AFP, quoting State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce.</p>
<p>Bruce said that it would ultimately be up to the US President Trump to decide whether to move ahead with the diplomatic efforts.</p>
<p>(With inputs from AFP.)</p>