MOSCOW — The Kremlin has turned down a proposal from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to extend Russia’s three-day unilateral ceasefire to a full 30-day truce, citing unresolved issues and strategic concerns.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed on Monday that Moscow had reviewed Kyiv’s offer, but maintained that key conditions outlined by President Vladimir Putin remained unmet.
“Without answers to these questions, it is difficult to enter into a long-term ceasefire,” Peskov said, reiterating that this stance reflects Putin’s position on the matter.
The temporary ceasefire, declared by Putin from May 8 to 11, was timed to coincide with Russia’s annual Victory Parade on May 9, commemorating the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. Russian officials framed the move as a “gesture of goodwill,” but Ukrainian leadership has rejected that characterization.
President Zelensky dismissed the brief truce as a political maneuver by Moscow, accusing the Kremlin of attempting to manipulate global perception.
Earlier in March, Putin had outlined strict preconditions for any extended ceasefire during discussions prompted by U.S. President Donald Trump. These included a ban on Ukraine using the pause to regroup or rearm and a suspension of Western arms deliveries—without offering reciprocal concessions.
The Victory Parade in Moscow is expected to draw international attention, with Chinese President Xi Jinping among the dignitaries slated to attend the event in Red Square.
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