Video of the latest message transmitted by Zelenski to Ukrainians, after Putin declared the three -day armistice

Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenski qualified the three -day armistice announced by his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, as “a manipulation attempt,” AFP reports.

“Now there is a new manipulation attempt: for some reasons, everyone has to wait until May 8,” Zelenski said, in his video message addressed to the nation Monday night.

Zelenski's message:

• “We, in Ukraine, have never wanted this war. On March 11, I responded positively to the American proposal for total fire termination. We made our own proposal to Russia – at a bilateral level – to stop at least on civil targets. I also proposed the total cessation of the Easter fire and its extension by thirty days.
• Russia has constantly rejected everything and continues to manipulate the world, trying to deceive the United States. Now, once again, another manipulation attempt: for some reason, everyone should wait until May 8 before the fire cease – just to give a little peace for his parade (Moscow Military, no).
• We value human lives, not the parades. That's why we believe – and the world believes – there is no reason to wait until May 8th. The armistice should not last only a few days, and then the killings resume. It must be immediate, complete and unconditional – for at least 30 days, to ensure that it is safe and guaranteed. This is the basis that could lead to real diplomacy.
• We reaffirm this proposal. The American proposal also remains on the negotiation table. Russia knows exactly what to do and how to answer: to truly cease fire.“

We in Ukraine Never Wanted a Single Second of this War. Back on March 11, we responded positivly to the American proposal for a full cup. We Made Our Proposal to Russia – Bilaterally – to Halt Strikes at Least on Civilian Targets. We also proposed making the easter… pic.twitter.com/tp9eif0yfp

– Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир зеленський (@zezekyyua) April 28, 2025

Previously during the day, Putin ordered the cessation of fire on May 8-10, which coincides with the events organized in Moscow on the occasion of 80 years since the end of World War II. The gesture of the Kremlin leader aroused the anger of Kiev, in the context in which the Ukrainian authorities asked Russia to immediately cease hostilities.

According to a statement of the Kremlin issued on Monday, the cessation of fire will enter into force at midnight on Wednesday, May 7, May 8, 0.00pm) and will take 72 hours, until midnight (May 10, 24.00).

“During this period, all military actions will cease,” the Russian presidency said. The Kremlin warned, however, that if the Ukrainian part does not respect the armistice, the Russian forces will respond “properly and efficiently”.

Ukraine has said that she wants an immediate armistice with Russia for “at least 30 days”.

“If Russia really wants peace, you must immediately cease the fire. Why should we wait until May 8?”, Wrote the Ukrainian Minister Andrii Sîbiga, in a message published on the social network X.

The United States has warned that this week will be “critical” to determine if obtaining a peace agreement in Ukraine is possible.

Follow the latest evolutions of the War in Ukraine LiveText on HotNews.ro