Peskov claimed the purpose of the proposed truce is to “test Kyiv’s willingness to seek a long-term, sustainable peace between Russia and Ukraine.”
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova escalated rhetoric further, accusing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of issuing “a classic threat from a global terrorist.”
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev also lashed out on Telegram, insulting Zelenskyy and threatening retaliation if Ukraine carries out any “provocation” during the military parade in Moscow on May 9.
Earlier on May 3, Zelenskyy rejected Putin’s offer of a so-called three-day ceasefire timed around Russia’s Victory Day celebrations. He said Ukraine insists on a minimum 30-day ceasefire and dismissed the Kremlin’s proposal as theatrical posturing aimed at helping Russia appear less isolated on the world stage.
Putin first announced the proposed truce on April 28, stating it would last from midnight on May 8 to midnight on May 11. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov called it a “first step toward direct negotiations with Ukraine without preconditions.”
Zelenskyy, however, said such a move would be meaningless without a serious, monitored cessation of hostilities lasting at least a month.