KYIV, May 8 (Alliance News) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has reiterated his country’s readiness to observe a 30-day ceasefire in its war with Russia, saying the offer remains on the table despite continued Russian strikes and a lack of official response from Moscow.
In a video address on Wednesday night, Zelenskiy said, “Ukraine’s proposal to cease strikes and establish at least a 30-day ceasefire remains in force. We are not withdrawing this proposal, which could give diplomacy a chance.”
The proposed ceasefire, backed by the United States in March and accepted by Kyiv, has yet to receive formal acceptance from the Kremlin.
Meanwhile, Zelenskiy acknowledged recent drone attacks on Russian targets, including in Moscow, framing them as a “mirror-like” consequence of Russia’s aggression.
“This clearly and obviously demonstrates to everyone who the source of the war is,” he said, accusing Russia of responding with more violence instead of engaging with the ceasefire plan.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova rejected accusations that Moscow was blocking peace efforts.
She stated that Russia had already declared two unilateral ceasefires — one for Orthodox Easter and another temporary moratorium on energy site attacks — both of which, she claimed, were violated multiple times by Ukrainian forces.
“The only obstacle to the ceasefire is Kyiv, which violates agreements and is unwilling to seriously discuss the terms of a long-term ceasefire,” Zakharova said, citing over 5,000 alleged violations by Ukrainian forces during the Easter ceasefire.
The exchange of accusations comes just ahead of Russia’s annual Victory Day commemorations, for which Moscow proposed a separate three-day truce to mark the end of World War II.
