INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed a three-day truce ordered by Russian leader Vladimir Putin as theatrics but stated Kyiv
was prepared for a complete ceasefire.Moscow stated the truce, set to coincide with its World War II ceremonies on May 9, was focused on
screening Kyivs preparedness for long-term peace and implicated Zelensky of making a direct risk to events on the holiday.The Kremlin
rejected an unconditional 30-day ceasefire proposed by Kyiv and Washington in March, and has actually since made only slim contributions to
United States President Donald Trumps efforts to broker an end to the three-year Russian invasion
This is more of a theatrical efficiency on his part
Due to the fact that in 2 or three days, it is impossible to develop a prepare for the next steps to end the war, Zelensky said.The
Ukrainian leader was speaking on Friday to a small group of reporters, including AFP, in remarks embargoed until Saturday.Some in Ukraine
have slammed the truce as an effort to prevent Kyiv from disrupting the World War II anniversary events with foreign leaders due in Moscow
to watch a grand military parade on Red Square and an address by Russian President Vladimir Putin.Zelensky said Ukraine would not be
playing video games to develop an enjoyable environment to permit Putins exit from isolation on 9 May
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told press reporters the ceasefire was focused on testing Kyivs readiness to look for methods to achieve
long-lasting sustainable peace
Can not take responsibilityLeaders of around 20 countries, consisting of Chinas Xi Jinping, have actually accepted invitations to join this
years celebration, according to the Kremlin.Zelensky stated some nations had approached Kyiv, warning they were traveling to Russia and had
Our position is really simple towards all countries that have travelled or are travelling to Russia on May 9 we can not take duty for what
is taking place on the area of the Russian Federation, he answered
They are guaranteeing your security, Zelensky said, including that Russia might take numerous steps on its part, such as arson, surges,
and so on and after that blame us
Zelensky did not say what Ukraine would do during the truce, however Russia jumped on the comments, implicating Kyiv of making a direct
threat to its May 9 commemorations
He is threatening the physical security of veterans who will concern parades and celebrations on the holy day, Foreign Ministry
spokesperson Maria Zakharova said on Telegram
is, of course, a direct danger
Russian authorities have assured grand celebrations for the event, during which Putin will look for to rally support for his soldiers
combating in Ukraine.Russian troops have actually been making gruelling gains on a number of parts of the front, and Moscow and Kyiv have
actually stepped up their aerial attacks.The United States has cautioned it might abandon efforts to broker a ceasefire if it does not see
progress.Washington is seeking a total, resilient ceasefire and an end to the conflict, rather than a three-day minute so you can
commemorate something else, United States State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said this week.Bruce said it would ultimately be up to
Trump to decide whether to move ahead with diplomatic efforts.See things differentlyTrump has overhauled United States policy towards
Russia given that taking workplace, starting a rapprochement with the Kremlin.This culminated in an on-camera clash between Trump and
Zelensky at the White House on February 28, where both leaders had actually been set to sign a mineral deal approving United States access
to Ukrainian resources in exchange for some protection.Ukraine has actually given that renegotiated the deal, which would see Washington and
Kyiv jointly develop and invest in Ukraines critical mineral resources.Zelensky on Friday stated the offer was advantageous to both sides
and safeguarded Ukraines interests even though the accord uses no concrete security guarantees for Kyiv.That followed a conference in
between Trump and Zelensky at the end of April before Pope Francis funeral service at the Vatican, the first encounter considering that
We had the very best conversation out of all those that preceded it, Zelensky said Friday
I am confident that after our meeting in the Vatican, President Trump began to look at things a little differently
Moscow kept up strikes on Ukraine overnight.A Russian drone attack on the northeastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv late Friday wounded 51
people, including 2 children, local prosecutors said.Russian authorities, meanwhile, accused Ukraine of an overnight attack on the southern
port city of Novorossiysk, harmful apartment and injuring five individuals.
