The Kremlin said on Thursday that Russia does not require Ukraine’s agreement to implement President Vladimir Putin’s proposed ceasefire during Victory Day commemorations on May 9, describing the move as a unilateral decision by Moscow.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters that the temporary halt in hostilities “will be implemented” regardless of Kyiv’s response and stressed that “a response is not, in fact, required.”
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“The decision has been made by the Supreme Commander-in-Chief,” Peskov said, referring to Putin.
Peskov’s comments came after Zelensky dismissed Russia’s short-term ceasefire proposal as “manipulative” and a “theatrical performance” aimed at securing Moscow’s Victory Day parades rather than advancing peace.
Russia announced earlier this week that it intends to suspend military operations around the annual Victory Day celebrations marking the Soviet Union’s defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. The holiday is one of the Kremlin’s most important political and symbolic events and traditionally features large military parades in Moscow and other cities.
Zelensky said he had instructed his team to contact the Trump administration to clarify whether the proposal discussed between Trump and Putin amounted only to “a few hours of security for a parade” or something more substantial.
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