**Ukraine Rejects Russia’s Temporary Ceasefire Offer, Proposes 30-Day Truce**
In a move that has been met with skepticism by the international community, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected Russia’s proposal for a temporary ceasefire during Victory Day celebrations. The decision comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a multi-day pause in hostilities to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory Day on May 9.
However, instead of reciprocating with a limited truce, Ukraine has proposed an immediate and sustained 30-day ceasefire to Russia. This move is seen as a bold attempt by the Ukrainian government to challenge Russia’s narrative of Soviet victory over Nazi Germany, which it uses to justify its current aggression against Ukraine.
The Ukrainian Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, criticized Russia’s timing, stating that a genuine peace effort should not wait for a specific date and should last longer than a few days. This move is seen as a significant shift in Ukraine’s approach to negotiations with Russia, as it seeks to establish a more equitable and lasting peace agreement.
**Russia’s History of Provocations**
The Ukrainian government has expressed concern that Russia might stage provocations during the ceasefire period and blame Ukraine for them. This fear is not unfounded, given Russia’s history of using such tactics in the past. In April, Putin ordered an “Easter truce” in Ukraine, citing humanitarian reasons and expecting Ukraine to reciprocate. However, Russian forces continued attacks and used the pause to rotate troops and stage provocations, with Ukraine reporting nearly 3,000 breaches during that period.
**Ukraine Marks Victory Day on May 8**
It’s worth noting that Ukraine has marked World War II victory over Nazism on May 8, rather than May 9, which is celebrated by Russia. This move is seen as an attempt to distance itself from Russian influence and to establish its own narrative of the events surrounding World War II.
**Reactions from the International Community**
The international community has been watching this developments closely, with many countries expressing concern about the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The United States and European Union have issued statements urging both parties to engage in constructive dialogue and to seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
**Conclusion**
In conclusion, the Ukrainian government’s decision to reject Russia’s temporary ceasefire offer and propose a 30-day truce is seen as a significant move in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. While the international community remains cautiously optimistic about this development, much work still needs to be done to establish a lasting peace agreement that addresses the concerns of all parties involved.
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