Zelensky Rejects Short-Term Victory Day Truce — Ukraine Demands Lasting Peace, Not 'Parade Safety'

President Volodymyr Zelensky responded publicly on April 30, 2026 to Russia's proposal for a temporary ceasefire around May 9 (Victory Day), which Putin had floated during a 90-minute telephone call with US President Trump on April 29. Zelensky instructed Ukrainian representatives to seek clarification from Washington on the proposal's specifics, stating via Telegram: 'We will clarify what exactly this is about — a few hours of security for a parade in Moscow, or something more.' He reaffirmed Ukraine's consistent position: 'Our proposal is a long-term ceasefire, reliable and guaranteed security for people, and a lasting peace. Ukraine is ready to work toward this in any dignified and effective format.' The Kremlin responded through spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, who declared Ukraine's agreement was not required for the ceasefire to proceed: 'This is the head of the Russian state's decision, and it will be carried out.' Russia's framing of a unilateral ceasefire it could declare and end at will — without binding security guarantees for Ukraine — was widely seen as a propaganda move designed to stage a Victory Day parade in Moscow rather than a genuine step toward peace. Zelensky made clear Ukraine would not accept a symbolic short-term pause that legitimized Russian territorial gains without addressing the fundamental terms of a just peace.