Russia Rejects Ukraine’s Call for 30-Day Truce Calls It Manipulation
Russia has rejected Ukraine’s call to extend a brief three-day ceasefire into a longer 30-day truce, deepening tensions as international pressure mounts for a negotiated end to the war. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed on Tuesday that Moscow had received Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s proposal but said a long-term ceasefire would be “difficult” without resolving several outstanding issues. The brief ceasefire, announced by President Vladimir Putin from May 8 to 10, was timed to coincide with Russia’s Victory Day celebrations. Zelenskyy dismissed the move as a “manipulation” and questioned Moscow’s refusal to agree to a broader, more meaningful cessation of hostilities. He urged that any ceasefire should begin immediately and last at least 30 days to allow for meaningful de-escalation. In response, Peskov accused Zelenskyy of politicizing the situation, claiming that Ukraine’s lack of direct engagement with the proposed three-day pause showed bad faith. He characterized the Russian proposal as a “gesture of goodwill” and said Kyiv’s reaction was itself an act of manipulation. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has grown increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress, telling Putin over the weekend to “stop shooting” and finalize a deal. Washington previously pushed for a 30-day ceasefire, which Russia rejected unless Ukraine agreed not to regroup or receive weapons during the pause—conditions Kyiv refused. Zelenskyy reaffirmed Ukraine’s support for an unconditional, full ceasefire, stressing the need for security and enforcement mechanisms.