Russia announced its intention to implement a temporary ceasefire on May 9, regardless of Ukraine’s position on the matter. This became known from comments made by the spokesperson for the President of the Russian Federation, Dmitry Peskov, on April 30.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Moscow’s Position on the Ceasefire
In response to a question about Ukraine’s reaction to the ceasefire proposal, Peskov emphasized that Kyiv’s consent is not necessary for such a decision to be made. According to him, the initiative for the cessation of hostilities belongs to the Russian leadership, and this step will be implemented regardless of the response from the Ukrainian side.
“This is the decision of the head of the Russian state, and it will be implemented. But of course, everyone would expect some reaction from the Kyiv regime in terms of adequate intentions. So far, there is none.”
The Russian authorities stressed that a formal response from Ukraine is not mandatory for the temporary ceasefire, but they would expect Kyiv to demonstrate “adequate intentions”.
Statements from Leaders and International Context
The idea of a ceasefire on May 9 was first voiced on April 29 during a conversation between Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump. According to Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov, the initiative belonged to Putin, and Trump actively supported it. At the same time, the U.S. President himself stated that he was the author of the idea of a “small ceasefire”.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that the Ukrainian side intends to reach out to the U.S. to clarify the details of this initiative. Zelensky raised the question of whether it concerns a few hours of security for the parade in Moscow or something more extensive. He also urged Russia to agree to a long-term ceasefire.