Kyiv – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described Russia’s announcement of a partial ceasefire to coincide with its “Victory Day” celebrations as reflecting “strange and inappropriate logic.” In a video address, Zelensky asserted that this move is nothing more than an attempt to secure Russian military ceremonies for a few hours before returning to the pace of systematic killing and destruction on the front lines, emphasizing that Kyiv will not be deceived by these “propaganda maneuvers.”
“Deceptive Tactics”: Sharp Criticism of Moscow’s Celebrations
Zelensky argued that the Russian leadership is seeking “implicit permission” to hold its military parades safely for one hour a year, describing this approach as detached from reality. He explained that Moscow aims to polish its international image through these initiatives while its forces continue to launch bloody attacks against civilians, stressing that such steps serve only the Kremlin’s media agenda and do not reflect a genuine desire for peace.
Message to Washington: US Firmness as a Guarantee for European Peace
In a direct message to the White House, the Ukrainian President emphasized that the United States possesses the historical and actual capacity to maintain peace on the European continent, just as it did during World War II. He called on Washington to take a “just and strong position” proportionate to the scale of the aggression, noting that American firmness is the only guarantee to deter Moscow’s expansionist ambitions and prevent the collapse of Europe’s security framework.
Rejecting Russian Terms and Persisting in Resistance
Zelensky reaffirmed his country’s rejection of any de-escalation formulas that do not guarantee a full withdrawal of invading forces, stressing that “seasonal truces” linked to Russian national holidays will not change the reality of the battle. These remarks come at a time of fierce confrontations on the front lines, as Kyiv seeks to mobilize further military and political support from Western allies to face expected offensive waves.
