Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Vladimir Putin of “taking part in 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 unattainable to develop a plan for the subsequent steps to finish the warfare,” Zelenskyy informed 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 to date rejected an unconditional 30-day ceasefire pushed by Ukraine and the USA, which is attempting to dealer an finish to the three-year warfare.
Zelenskyy mentioned Ukraine wouldn’t be “taking part in video games to create a nice environment to permit for Putin’s exit from isolation on Could 9” when some overseas leaders are due in Moscow for Russia’s World Warfare II commemorations.
Zelenskyy dismissed the 72-hour truce provide as “unserious”, including that Kyiv was as a substitute open to a longer-lasting, 30-day ceasefire proposal put ahead by the US.
He mentioned Ukraine couldn’t assure the security of any overseas dignitaries who got here to Moscow for the standard Could 9 victory parade.
“We can’t be liable for what occurs on the territory of the Russian Federation. They’re liable for your safety, and subsequently 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 Warfare II commemorations and mentioned no person might assure that Kyiv would survive to see Could 10 if Ukraine attacked Moscow in the course of 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 informed reporters that Putin’s provide had been “a take a look at of Ukraine’s readiness for peace. And we are going to, in fact, await not ambiguous however definitive statements and, most significantly, actions aimed toward de-escalating the battle over the general public holidays”.
Zelenskyy additionally mentioned he mentioned air defence techniques 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 sturdy”. He didn’t give specifics.
The Ukrainian chief additionally mentioned a important minerals deal signed with the US on Wednesday was mutually helpful, and that it will permit Ukraine to defend future US investments, in addition to its personal territory and other people.
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 strategy to convene a brand new spherical of negotiations with the US, doubtlessly hosted in Ukraine. “It’s a optimistic signal,” he mentioned, “that such a gathering is beneath dialogue, regardless of current personnel adjustments in Washington.”
Nevertheless, some voices inside the Trump administration stay sceptical, with Vice President JD Vance telling Fox Information community on Thursday that the warfare in Ukraine was “not going to finish any time quickly”.
“It’s going to be as much as them to return to an settlement and cease this brutal, brutal battle. It’s not going wherever,” 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 areas in Kharkiv – Ukraine’s second-largest metropolis – injuring a minimum of 47 individuals, in line with 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 individuals have been injured in a drone assault on Novorossiysk, a Black Sea port in southern Russia, in line with Krasnodar regional governor Veniamin Kondratyev.