The Ukrainian Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, has announced a proposed ceasefire from May 5 to May 6, coinciding with Russia’s Victory Day celebrations. This initiative, according to Sybiha, represents an opportunity to end hostilities and gauge Russia’s true intentions.
Sybiha emphasized that the international community should not wait for ceremonial events to address the ongoing conflict. He stated that if Moscow is genuinely prepared to halt military actions, it could do so at midnight on May 5.
“Ukraine is ready for a serious proposal to cease hostilities and transition to diplomacy,” Sybiha remarked, urging Ukraine’s allies and peace-loving nations to support this call for a cessation of fighting.
He further noted that the events of May 6 would reveal the actual desires of Russia, indicating whether it seeks peace or intends to proceed with military displays.
In a related context, Russian President Vladimir Putin recently communicated with U.S. President Donald Trump, expressing a willingness to establish a ceasefire on Victory Day. However, Ukrainian officials have suggested that this move may be aimed at securing a safe environment for the military parade scheduled for May 9.
It is important to highlight that Ukraine has not received any specific details from Russia regarding the proposed ceasefire, including timelines or modalities for ending hostilities. On May 4, the Russian Ministry of Defense publicly announced that Putin had ordered a ceasefire on May 8 and 9, warning that if Ukraine declined to accept the truce, Russia would carry out a massive missile strike on central Kyiv.
In response, President Zelensky stated that human life holds greater value than any commemorative celebrations, reaffirming Ukraine’s commitment to the ceasefire beginning at midnight on May 5.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has proposed a ceasefire from May 5 to May 6, coinciding with Russia's Victory Day, to assess Moscow's intentions. This initiative comes amid escalating tensions and a lack of detailed communication from Russia regarding potential peace terms.