Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is urging Russia to agree to a full and unconditional ceasefire. This call comes after Russia announced a three-day truce from May 8 to 10 to mark the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory in World War II. Zelenskyy believes that this truce is not enough and wants a longer-lasting peace.
Speaking at a summit in Warsaw, Zelenskyy expressed concerns that Russia might be planning something in Belarus this summer, using military drills as a cover. His worries add to the tension in the region, as both sides continue to clash.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also weighed in, stating that the United States may step back from its role as a mediator unless both Russia and Ukraine present clear proposals to end the ongoing conflict, which has lasted for three years. A spokesperson for Rubio emphasized that the US is looking for a lasting ceasefire, not just a brief pause for celebrations.
In response to Ukraine’s request to extend the three-day ceasefire to 30 days, Russia rejected the proposal. They stated that reaching a long-term ceasefire would be challenging without addressing several unresolved issues first.
At a recent UN Security Council meeting, Rosemary DiCarlo, the UN’s political affairs chief, welcomed the renewed efforts for negotiations. She mentioned that these discussions provide a glimmer of hope for achieving a ceasefire and a peaceful resolution.
Meanwhile, France and the United Kingdom praised the US for its mediation efforts while criticizing Russia’s actions. Russia denied allegations of targeting civilians in Ukraine, while Ukraine insisted it would not accept peace at any cost.
Additionally, France accused Russia’s military intelligence of conducting cyberattacks against various French organizations, including government ministries and defense firms, since 2021. This accusation adds another layer of complexity to the already strained relations between Russia and the West.