Zelensky demands immediate ceasefire amid perceived manipulation by Putin

In the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, President Vladimir Zelensky has criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for his recent announcement of a 72-hour ceasefire intended to coincide with Victory Day celebrations from May 8 to 10. Zelensky described this offer as a mere manipulation, stating that the timing serves to provide Putin with silence during the parade while ignoring the devastating impacts of continuing hostilities on human lives. He called for an immediate 30-day ceasefire instead, emphasizing the need for a more substantial and unconditional truce to pave the way for peace. Amidst a backdrop of Ukrainian forces reportedly facing setbacks on the battlefield, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claimed that Ukraine's demands for an immediate truce indicate a significant shift in their position, suggesting they are increasingly retreating under pressure. Lavrov's remarks highlight a perceptible change in Kiev's previously hardened stance, which had earlier rejected any truce, focusing instead on a potential leverage strategy to negotiate from a position of strength. According to Lavrov, the instigation of this shift could be attributed to the continuous support of Western nations, which he believes encourages Ukraine's resistance and further prolongs the conflict. Lavrov argued that European radicals push Ukraine to remain committed to fighting, effectively waiting for an opportunity to negotiate once Russia is in a weaker position. This assertion implies a worrying trend in the dynamics of the conflict, where external influence is seen as escalating tensions rather than facilitating peace. The dialogue on a ceasefire remains complicated by Moscow's insistence that any discussions must focus on addressing the core causes of the conflict, rather than temporary arrangements which they claim would allow for Ukraine's rearmament with Western support. The situation presents a delicate balance where timing, territorial integrity, and military strategy are intertwined with international diplomacy. As the Ukrainian leadership pushes for a more significant ceasefire initiative, the challenges and responses from the Russian side signal a complicated road ahead. This ongoing conflict highlights the need for a dialogue aimed at long-term solutions rather than short-lived ceasefires that essentially serve to relieve immediate pressures without fostering genuine peace.