Russian President Vladimir Putin’s spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, issued a stark warning to Ukraine, stating that Moscow will provide an “adequate response” if Kyiv continues its attacks during the so-called “three-day truce” arbitrarily declared by Putin in honor of “Victory Day.”
Putin announced that he had ordered a three-day ceasefire in Russia’s war on Ukraine from May 8-11, aligning with Moscow’s World War II Victory Day commemorations, according to a Kremlin statement issued on April 28.
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According to the Russian state news agency RIA Novosti, Peskov reaffirmed the “truce initiative” remains in effect, and that Putin had allegedly given the order to hold fire for three days.
“… the relevant instructions have been given by the Supreme Commander-in-Chief,” Peskov said.
However, Peskov also warned that if Ukraine does not reciprocate the truce and continues to strike Russian positions, Moscow will respond swiftly.
“The fire will be stopped, but if there is no reciprocity from the Kyiv regime and attempts to strike our positions or our facilities continue, then an adequate response will be given immediately,” he added.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Putin’s proposed three-day truce as nothing more than a publicity stunt, saying Ukraine remains ready for a full ceasefire.
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“This is more of a theatrical performance on his part,” Zelensky said. “Because in two or three days, it is impossible to develop a plan for the next steps to end the war.”
Kyiv and Washington have pushed for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire, which Moscow has so far rejected. The US has warned it may walk away from mediation efforts if progress isn’t made.
State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said the goal is “a complete, durable ceasefire and an end to the conflict,” not “a three-day moment so you can celebrate something else.”
She added that it would be up to US President Donald Trump to decide whether to continue pursuing diplomacy.
Zelensky also rejected the idea of “playing games to create a pleasant atmosphere to allow for Putin’s exit from isolation on May 9,” when foreign leaders are expected to attend Moscow’s Victory Day celebrations.
The Kremlin said leaders from about 20 countries, including China’s Xi Jinping, are due to attend. Zelensky disclosed that some nations had asked Ukraine for assurances about their safety during their visit.
“Our position is very simple towards all countries that have travelled or are travelling to Russia on May 9 – we cannot take responsibility for what is happening on the territory of the Russian Federation,” he said.
“They are ensuring your safety,” Zelensky added, warning that Russia “may take various steps on its part, such as arson, explosions, and so on, and then blame us.”
According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Putin’s ceasefire announcement is a tactic to rest troops and position for future attacks, while trying to appear open to peace.
“Putin is using these one-sided ceasefires to improve his military position and appear open to peace talks, without actually committing to real peace,” ISW said in its April 28 war assessment.
It added that during the Easter truce, Russian forces shelled Ukrainian positions and conducted reconnaissance – and likely plan to do the same over Victory Day.
Zelensky echoed that warning in his daily address: “Now there’s a new attempt at manipulation: For some reason, everyone has to wait until May 8.”
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha backed the president’s stance on social media: “If Russia truly wants peace, it must cease fire immediately. Why wait until May 8th?”
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