Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has firmly rejected a proposed three-day ceasefire from Russian President Vladimir Putin, denouncing it as a calculated move to manipulate global perception of the war.

In a video message shared on social media platform X on Monday, April 28, Zelensky questioned the Kremlin’s motives for proposing a temporary halt in hostilities from May 8 to 10 — dates that coincide with Russia’s Victory Day commemorations.

“Now there’s a new attempt at manipulation: for some reason, everyone has to wait until May 8,” Zelensky said. “If Russia truly wants peace, it must cease fire immediately.”

Putin’s announcement was framed as a humanitarian gesture, but Ukrainian officials dismissed the offer almost immediately, criticising both its brevity and the symbolic timing.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga echoed Zelensky’s concerns, calling instead for a sustained ceasefire of at least 30 days.

“Why wait until May 8?” Sybiga posted on X. “If peace is the goal, the shelling should stop today.”

The Kremlin’s move has also been met with skepticism from the international community. The U.S. State Department described the coming days as “critical” in determining whether Russia’s proposal is a genuine step toward peace or another tactic to stall progress while maintaining aggression.