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‘Parade Security?’ - Ukraine to Clarify Russia’s May 9 ‘Truce’ with Trump Team

Zelensky ordered contacts with Trump’s team to clarify Russia’s proposed May 9 truce, questioning whether it is for parade security or a real step toward peace.

Kyiv Post

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३० अप्रैल, 2026

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Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky has instructed Ukrainian representatives to contact the team of US President Donald Trump to clarify details of Russia’s proposal for a “truce” on May 9.

In a Telegram post, Zelensky said:

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“I have instructed our representatives to contact the team of the President of the United States and clarify the details of the Russian proposal for a short-term silence.”

He added that Ukraine remains committed to peace and is conducting necessary diplomatic work to achieve a real end to the war.

“Let’s find out what exactly is at stake: a few hours of security for the parade in Moscow or something more,” Zelensky wrote.

He added that Ukraine’s position is a long-term ceasefire that would guarantee real security for civilians and lasting peace.

“Ukraine is ready to work for this in any decent and effective format,” he said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposal for a ceasefire in Ukraine during May 9 Victory Day celebrations reportedly came during a 90-minute phone call with Trump on Wednesday.

According to Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov, Putin initiated the call. Trump later noted in the Oval Office that the two had not spoken for some time and asked, “Did he already announce it?”

Russia’s Victory Day parade in Red Square is expected to proceed without tanks, missile systems, or artillery for the first time since 2008. The Russian Defense Ministry cited the “current operational situation,” though analysts link the move to equipment shortages and security concerns amid ongoing Ukrainian long-range drone strikes.

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After more than four years of war, Russia has suffered significant losses in armored vehicles and artillery, while remaining vulnerable to Ukrainian strikes deep inside its territory.

A temporary ceasefire could also reduce the risk of drone attacks on Moscow during one of the Kremlin’s most symbolic national events.

Putin’s proposal appears politically timed, with the Kremlin seeking to present itself as open to negotiations while applying pressure on Kyiv.

If Ukraine rejects a short truce, Moscow could attempt to frame it as unwilling to pursue peace, particularly for international audiences.

Western estimates suggest Russian casualties have exceeded 1.2 million. A pause in fighting would allow Russian units to rotate forces, replenish supplies, and repair equipment after months of attrition.

Victory Day remains Russia’s most important state holiday, with the Kremlin increasingly linking the war in Ukraine to World War II narratives of fighting “Nazism.”

However, with no major battlefield gains to showcase, this year’s event is expected to emphasize political messaging over military display.

Last year, Putin declared a ceasefire ahead of Victory Day, from midnight on May 8 through May 11.

However, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said that, citing Ukraine’s military command, Russia violated the ceasefire at least 734 times between midnight and noon on May 8. According to him, Russian forces carried out 63 assault operations, 176 drone strikes, and 10 air strikes using guided bombs during that period.