Russia Plans Unilateral Ceasefire, Ukraine Wants More

The Kremlin says it does not need Ukraine's consent to declare a ceasefire to mark 9 May, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov describing it as a unilateral decision by President Vladimir Putin to be implemented regardless of Kyiv's reaction. Moscow has indicated it would expect "adequate steps" from Ukraine, though none have been forthcoming.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reacted cautiously, stressing the need to clarify the scope of the proposal and questioning whether it represents a short-term security measure during the Moscow celebrations or a broader step towards peace. Kyiv has long advocated a more permanent and guaranteed ceasefire.

A similar situation arose last year, when Russia declared a brief ceasefire that was repeatedly violated. Ukraine has also backed a US proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, which Moscow rejected, saying it preferred a permanent solution to the conflict.

(pir)