Moscow (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – On Tuesday, the Kremlin announced that Russian forces intended to implement a cease-fire in Ukraine from May 8-10, following President Vladimir Putin’s directives. However, they stated they would retaliate if Ukrainian forces attempted to attack Russian positions.
The Kremlin announced that the 72-hour ceasefire would be in effect from May 8 to May 9, coinciding with the international leaders’ gathering hosted by Putin in Moscow’s Red Square on May 9, which includes Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Will Russia retaliate if Ukraine rejects the truce
Asked what Russia would do if Zelenskiy did not sign up to the three-day ceasefire, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: “Of course, President Putin’s initiative on a temporary ceasefire for the public holidays is valid, and relevant instructions have been given (to the military) by the Supreme Commander-in-Chief,” said Peskov.
“There will be a ceasefire, but in the event that there is no reciprocity on the part of the Kyiv regime and attempts to strike our positions or our facilities continue, then an appropriate response will be given immediately.”
Peskov said that Kyiv had not yet given any indication it was ready to sign up for the proposed ceasefire.
Why is Russia proposing a May 8–10 ceasefire
On April 28, Putin announced a three-day ceasefire to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. Putin’s action seemed intended to convey that Russia remains interested in peace, a claim that Ukraine and its European allies dispute, particularly as President Donald Trump’s administration in Washington becomes increasingly frustrated with the slow progress toward peace.
How has Kyiv responded to Russia’s ceasefire offer?
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has so far dismissed the possibility of a short ceasefire, stating he is only willing to agree to a ceasefire lasting a minimum of 30 days, a proposal that Putin has indicated requires substantial effort before it can be realized.
Kyiv wondered why Putin refused to accept its request for a 30-day ceasefire lasting at least 30 days to facilitate diplomatic efforts. “For some reason, everyone is supposed to wait for May 8 and only then have a ceasefire to ensure calm for Putin during the parade,” President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said in his nightly video address. “We value people’s lives and not parades.”
