Ukraine Calls for Immediate Full Ceasefire, Not “Parade Pause,” Amid Russian Demands

Ukraine is prepared to support a full and lasting ceasefire, not merely a temporary pause timed for May 9 celebrations, as proposed by Russian leader Vladimir Putin. Kyiv has already agreed to a US proposal for a complete 30-day ceasefire, while Russia continues to put forward additional demands.

This was stated by Georgii Tykhyi, spokesperson for Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on April 28, during a discussion with users on the social media platform X.

“Minister Andrii Sybiha said that if Russia genuinely wants peace, it must cease fire immediately. Why wait until May 8? If the fighting can stop now, or on any day during a 30-day period, that would be a true ceasefire, not one just for a parade. Ukraine is ready to support a lasting, strong, and full ceasefire. This is something we have consistently offered — a ceasefire of at least 30 days,” Tykhyi said.

He recalled that during a Ukrainian-American meeting held in Jeddah on March 11, Ukraine had unconditionally agreed to the US proposal for a full 30-day ceasefire.

“We see this as a serious offer, because a ceasefire of that length would allow for trust-building measures and create the calm needed to launch a broader peace process,” the MFA spokesperson noted.

Tykhyi emphasized that during this time, Ukraine and its partners have heard numerous conditions and ultimatums from Russia instead of a straightforward acceptance of the full ceasefire.

“We believe Moscow should be asked why it has not reciprocated Ukraine’s readiness for a full ceasefire — because if it had, the ceasefire could have already started,” he added.

Earlier, Russian leader Vladimir Putin announced on April 28 a ceasefire in Ukraine during the celebration of the 80th anniversary of Victory Day.