Zelenskyy warns world leaders against visiting Moscow on May 9

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has rejected the Russian proposal for a temporary ceasefire on May 9 and warned that Ukraine cannot guarantee the safety of foreign leaders who might travel to Moscow for the Victory Day celebrations.

Zelenskyy spoke candidly with journalists in a closed-door briefing, where he stated that Ukraine cannot ensure the safety of foreign representatives attending the May 9 parade in Moscow, Caliber.Az reports, citing Ukrainian media.

He warned that Russia could exploit the occasion to stage a provocation and shift the blame onto Ukraine.

“We don’t know what Russia will do on those dates,” Zelenskyy said. “It could take various, let’s say, steps from its side... We must tell those who ask us: ‘From a security standpoint, we do not recommend you visit the Russian Federation.’ And if you do so, don’t ask us.”

Zelenskyy also dismissed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s call for a ceasefire on May 9, describing it as a theatrical gesture lacking substance or a roadmap toward peace.

“This is more of a theatrical performance on his part. Because in two or three days, it’s impossible to build any real plan for ending the war,” he said, adding that no one would create “comfortable conditions” for Putin to celebrate the holiday.

The remarks followed Putin’s announcement in late April of a temporary halt to hostilities by Russian forces to coincide with the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany. According to the Kremlin, all Russian military operations would be suspended from midnight on May 8 to midnight on May 11.

“Russia believes that the Ukrainian side should follow this example,” Putin stated. “If Ukraine violates the ceasefire, the Russian armed forces will deliver an adequate and effective response.”

By Tamilla Hasanova