Russia has rejected a proposal from Ukraine to extend a temporary three-day ceasefire into a full 30-day truce. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed on Monday that Moscow had reviewed the offer but insisted several critical issues must be addressed first before any long-term agreement can be made.
Peskov emphasized that without resolving these outstanding questions, a longer ceasefire would not be possible. He made it clear that this position reflects President Vladimir Putin’s stance on the matter.
Flashback to earlier talks, in March 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump had proposed a similar 30-day ceasefire during escalating tensions. However, Russia demanded strict conditions, including halting Western arms supplies to Ukraine and preventing Ukrainian forces from using the pause to regroup and rearm. At the time, Putin made no concessions in return, and talks quickly collapsed.
In a related move, President Putin recently declared a unilateral ceasefire from May 8 to May 11. The short pause was timed to coincide with Russia’s annual Victory Parade on May 9, a major national event commemorating the end of World War II. Foreign dignitaries, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, are expected to attend celebrations at Moscow’s Red Square.
While the Kremlin described the brief ceasefire as a “gesture of goodwill,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed it, calling it a strategic move by Putin aimed at manipulating international perception without genuinely seeking peace.
The rejection of the 30-day proposal shows that despite calls for de-escalation, both sides remain deeply entrenched. With no breakthrough in sight, the conflict continues to drag on, affecting millions and shaping global political tensions.
