Ukraine Proposes Ceasefire from May 6; Zelenskyy: Testing Russia''s Sincerity Early

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a ceasefire starting from midnight on May 6, earlier than Russia''s planned ceasefire arrangement during its May 9 ''Victory Day'' commemorating the Soviet Union''s defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. Zelenskyy stated late on May 4 via social media, ''We believe that human life is far more precious than any anniversary.'' He proposed a mutual ceasefire starting from midnight on May 5-6, noting that an earlier start time than Russia''s proposal would help test Russia''s sincerity for a ceasefire. Zelenskyy pointed out, ''Now is the time for Russian leaders to take concrete action to end the war,'' and claimed that Russia fears it would be difficult to hold a military parade without Ukraine''s cooperation. However, he added that Moscow has not yet formally submitted a ceasefire request. The Russian Ministry of Defense, meanwhile, announced a unilateral ceasefire from May 8 to 9, and warned that if Ukraine attempts to interfere with the upcoming celebrations, Russia might launch large-scale airstrikes on central Kyiv, even advising residents and foreign diplomatic personnel to consider evacuation. Russia holds a military parade annually on ''Victory Day.'' Since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022, the scale of weapons and foreign guests participating has significantly decreased. This year marks the first time in nearly 20 years that heavy weapons such as rocket systems and armored vehicles will not be displayed. The official reason is ''considering the current operational situation,'' but several Russian military analysts believe Moscow is concerned about possible attacks from long-range drones by Ukraine. Attending the European Political Community (EPC) summit in Yerevan, Armenia, Zelenskyy noted that Russia''s reduced display of weapons reflects its military pressure and also its concern about drones potentially flying over Moscow''s Red Square. He also stated that this summer will be a critical period for Russian President Vladimir Putin to decide whether to escalate the war or turn to diplomatic negotiations, calling on the international community to exert pressure to prompt Russia to choose a diplomatic path. Russia has previously announced temporary ceasefires, including during Orthodox Easter with Ukraine, but both sides accused each other of violations, including drone attacks, making the ceasefire effects limited.