Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Vladimir Putin of “enjoying video games” after the Russian chief proposed a three-day unilateral ceasefire to coincide with Moscow’s Victory Day commemorations.
“That is extra of a theatrical efficiency on his half. As a result of in two or three days, it’s not possible to develop a plan for the following steps to finish the struggle,” Zelenskyy instructed a small group of journalists on Friday, in remarks embargoed till Saturday.
Russia introduced a 72-hour halt in hostilities starting Could 8, however has up to now rejected an unconditional 30-day ceasefire pushed by Ukraine and the USA, which is attempting to dealer an finish to the three-year struggle.
Zelenskyy mentioned Ukraine wouldn’t be “enjoying video games to create a nice ambiance to permit for Putin’s exit from isolation on Could 9” when some international leaders are due in Moscow for Russia’s World Battle II commemorations.
Zelenskyy dismissed the 72-hour truce provide as “unserious”, including that Kyiv was as an alternative open to a longer-lasting, 30-day ceasefire proposal put ahead by the US.
He mentioned Ukraine couldn’t assure the protection of any international dignitaries who got here to Moscow for the normal Could 9 victory parade.
“We can’t be answerable for what occurs on the territory of the Russian Federation. They’re answerable for your safety, and due to this fact we won’t offer you any ensures,” he mentioned in feedback launched by his presidential administration.
In response, Russia accused Zelenskyy of threatening the safety of its World Battle II commemorations and mentioned no one may assure that Kyiv would survive to see Could 10 if Ukraine attacked Moscow throughout the celebrations on Could 9.
“He’s threatening the bodily security of veterans who will come to parades and celebrations on the holy day,” Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia’s Safety Council, mentioned on Telegram. “His assertion … is, in fact, a direct menace.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov instructed reporters that Putin’s provide had been “a take a look at of Ukraine’s readiness for peace. And we’ll, in fact, await not ambiguous however definitive statements and, most significantly, actions geared toward de-escalating the battle over the general public holidays”.
Zelenskyy additionally mentioned he mentioned air defence programs and sanctions on Russia with US President Donald Trump final week on the sidelines of Pope Francis’s funeral on the Vatican.
Zelenskyy mentioned he raised the subject of sanctions on Russia with Trump on the impromptu assembly, and that Trump’s response on this query was “very robust”. He didn’t give specifics.
The Ukrainian chief additionally mentioned a critical minerals deal signed with the US on Wednesday was mutually helpful, and that it might enable Ukraine to defend future US investments, in addition to its personal territory and folks.
The accord, closely promoted by Trump, will give the US preferential entry to new Ukrainian minerals offers and unleash US funding in Ukraine’s reconstruction. Ukrainian legislator Yaroslav Zheleznyak confirmed parliament would vote on ratifying the settlement on Could 8.
The Ukrainian president additionally confirmed plans are beneath option to convene a brand new spherical of negotiations with the US, probably hosted in Ukraine. “It’s a optimistic signal,” he mentioned, “that such a gathering is beneath dialogue, regardless of latest personnel modifications in Washington.”
Nonetheless, some voices throughout the Trump administration remain sceptical, with Vice President JD Vance telling Fox Information community on Thursday that the struggle in Ukraine was “not going to finish any time quickly”.
“It’s going to be as much as them to come back to an settlement and cease this brutal, brutal battle. It’s not going anyplace,” he added.
Whereas diplomatic efforts proceed behind the scenes, the scenario on the bottom stays dire.
A Russian drone assault late on Friday hit 12 places in Kharkiv – Ukraine’s second-largest metropolis – injuring not less than 47 folks, in response to native authorities. Residential buildings and civilian infrastructure have been among the many targets, mentioned Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov and regional governor Oleh Syniehubov.
Ukraine’s Air Pressure reported intercepting 77 of 183 Russian-launched drones and mentioned one other 73 could have been electronically jammed. Russia additionally fired two ballistic missiles.
In the meantime, Moscow’s Ministry of Defence claimed it downed 170 Ukrainian drones and intercepted a number of cruise and guided missiles.
4 folks have been injured in a drone assault on Novorossiysk, a Black Sea port in southern Russia, in response to Krasnodar regional governor Veniamin Kondratyev.
