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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged for a month-long ceasefire following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s declaration of a three-day truce next month coinciding with the anniversary of World War II. Zelenskyy criticized this as a tactic to manipulate the situation, stating: “It appears that we are expected to wait until May 8 for a ceasefire to ensure a peaceful atmosphere for Putin during the parade.” He emphasized that human life is more valuable than ceremonial events and argued there should be no delay in achieving peace. Zelenskyy announced that past Russian ceasefires, such as the recent Easter truce, had been violated, raising doubts about Moscow’s commitment to prolonged peace. Putin’s suggestion to pause hostilities during the commemorative period is intended to honor the 80th anniversary of Soviet victory in WWII, with hopes of both sides adhering to this temporary truce. If successful, it would represent the first comprehensive ceasefire since the onset of Russia’s extensive invasion of Ukraine over three years ago.
Explosions were reported in Kyiv early Tuesday as air raid alerts were activated, according to a witness from Reuters. The Ukrainian military confirmed that air defenses were engaged in an effort to thwart an aerial assault.
Germany’s newly appointed Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has vowed to prioritize strong support for Ukraine, announcing that the new foreign minister will be a pro-Kyiv expert and former soldier. He revealed that Johann Wadephul, a conservative MP with a history of providing foreign policy counsel, would take on this role. Wadephul has advocated for military assistance to Ukraine, emphasizing in a recent interview with Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ) that the conflict extends beyond territorial disputes to broader issues of sovereignty and territorial integrity in Europe. Merz echoed this sentiment by describing Putin’s actions as an assault on the established political framework of the continent. Meanwhile, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, expected to retain his position, criticized former President Donald Trump’s peace proposals, labeling them as tantamount to capitulation.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio conveyed to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov that the U.S. remains dedicated to ending “this senseless war”, according to the State Department. Spokeswoman Tammy Bruce confirmed that Rubio emphasized the urgency of restarting peace negotiations during a call with Lavrov prior to Putin’s truce announcement.
Luke Harding of The Guardian has been reporting from combat zones near Ukraine’s Oskil River. He notes that what used to be a recreational area, suited for barbecues and kayaking, has now turned into a battleground characterized by drone strikes, artillery shelling, and bombings. He highlights Russia’s attempts to solidify its positions along the river’s right bank close to Dvorichna. For further insights, you can read the complete article here.
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www.theguardian.com