Zelenskyy rejects Russia’s 3-day ceasefire proposal as ‘theatrical’

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has rejected Russia’s 3-day ceasefire proposal, calling it theatrical, and instead suggests a month-long truce, Ukrainian media have reported.

“An unconditional ceasefire is the model proposed by the Americans. We are following that model. Whether it starts on that date or another – ideally earlier. Yes, let’s try for 30 days. Why a 30-day ceasefire? Because it’s impossible to reach any agreements in three, five, or even seven days,” Zelenskyy told reporters on Saturday.

Russian President Vlamdimir Putin had proposed a ceasefire from the 7-9 of May, when foreign representatives have been invited to the annual Victory Day parade in Moscow. Zelenskyy said he would not be able to guarantee attendees’ safety at the parade.

“Ukraine cannot guarantee other countries the safety of their representatives during their planned trips to Moscow for the 9 May parade, as the Russian side can independently take any actions against the guests and shift the blame for this to Ukraine, and the Ukrainian side, in turn, cannot be responsible for what is happening in the Russian Federation,” Zelenskyy said.

He explained that Russia’s proposed ceasefire is simply aimed at creating the illusion that Putin is emerging from isolation.

Drone strike exchange between Russia and Ukraine

Separately, at least 47 people were wounded in Kharkiv after Russian airstrikes hit Ukraine late on Friday, say local officials.

Drones damaged residential buildings, civilian infrastructure and multiple vehicles.

Following the attack, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged stronger, more decisive support from the country’s allies.

“While the world hesitates with decisions, nearly every night in Ukraine turns into a nightmare, costing lives. Ukraine needs strengthened air defence. Strong and real decisions are needed from our partners — the United States, Europe, all our partners who seek peace,” he wrote on X in the early hours of Saturday.

The Ukrainian Air Force said on Saturday that Russia fired 183 exploding drones and decoys overnight. Of those, 77 were intercepted by Ukrainian defences, while a further 73 were lost, likely having been electronically jammed. The Air Force also reported that Russia launched two ballistic missiles.

Meanwhile, Russia’s Defence Ministry said its air defences shot down 170 Ukrainian drones overnight. The ministry said eight cruise missiles and three guided missiles were also intercepted.

In southern Russia, four people were injured in a drone strike on the Black Sea port city of Novorossiysk overnight, according to Krasnodar Region Gov. Veniamin Kondratyev.

The latest wave of attacks comes after the US and Ukraine on Wednesday signed an agreement granting American access to Ukraine’s vast mineral resources, finalising a deal months in the making that could enable continued military aid to Kyiv amid concerns that President Donald Trump might scale back support in ongoing peace negotiations with Russia.

Video editor • Rory Elliott Armstrong