Zelensky on Putin's Initiative: A Theatrical Performance for the World Stage
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described Vladimir Putin's proposal for a three-day ceasefire from May 7 to 9 as a theatrical performance aimed at creating the illusion of Russia's exit from international isolation. Instead, he insisted on a 30-day ceasefire as suggested by the United States.
Source: Zelensky made these comments during a closed meeting with journalists, as reported by "Interfax-Ukraine".
Zelensky's quote: "An unconditional ceasefire is the model proposed by the Americans. We are following that model. Whether it starts on this date or another—sooner is better.
Let’s try for 30 days. Why a 30-day ceasefire? Because it’s impossible to negotiate anything in three, five, or seven days."
Details: Zelensky emphasized that if Russia is genuinely open to discussing a real ceasefire, "we should support the American strategy and agree to a ceasefire for 30 days."
He also pointed out that achieving complete silence without proper monitoring is not possible.
Zelensky’s quote: "This is more of a theatrical performance on his part. Because in two or three days, it’s impossible to outline a plan for the next steps to end the war.
Thus, it appears either very unserious or completely frivolous. Playing around to create a soft atmosphere for Putin’s exit from isolation on May 9, to make it comfortable for the leaders or partners who will attend the Kremlin Square on that day, will not help Putin. We are either at war, or Putin shows that he is ready for a ceasefire, for the first phase of ending the war. We are ready to start from the 1st, 3rd, or 5th. If he needs the 7th—it's all the same to us. From the 7th—30 days."
Background: The Kremlin announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin unilaterally declared a "ceasefire" during the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War, as the Russians refer to World War II.
