Putin’s short truce is a ‘theatrical performance’: Zelensky

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed a three-day truce ordered by Russian leader Vladimir Putin as theatrics but said Kyiv was ready for a full ceasefire.

Russia has so far rejected an unconditional 30-day ceasefire pushed by Kyiv and Washington, which is trying to broker an end to the three-year Russian invasion of Ukraine.

“This is more of a theatrical performance on his part. Because in two or three days, it is impossible to develop a plan for the next steps to end the war,” Zelensky said.

Zelensky was speaking on Friday to a small group of journalists, in remarks embargoed until Saturday.

Zelensky said Ukraine would not be “playing games to create a pleasant atmosphere to allow for Putin’s exit from isolation on 9 May,” when some foreign leaders are due in Moscow for Russian World War II commemorations.

Russia’s proposal has been seen in Ukraine as an attempt to prevent Kyiv from hitting Moscow on the holiday, during which there is a grand military parade on Red Square and the Russian leader addresses the nation.

Russia on Saturday accused Zelensky of threatening the security of its May 9 commemorations after the Ukrainian president said Kyiv would not “take responsibility” for ensuring safety on the day.

“He is threatening the physical safety of veterans who will come to parades and celebrations on the holy day,” Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Telegram. "His statement ... is, of course, a direct threat."

Ukraine has hit Moscow several times during the invasion, as well as targets across Russia._France 24