Zelenskyy says Ukraine won’t allow 9 May ceasefire to become Russia’s ‘tactical deception’

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that Ukraine will not allow any short-term ceasefire around 9 May to become what he described as a “tactical deception” by Russia.

Zelenskyy said the Kremlin’s push for a temporary truce is aimed primarily at protecting the military parade in Moscow from possible Ukrainian attacks. He argued that Russia’s leadership wants a ceasefire only to ensure that the parade can take place safely, after which military operations would likely resume.

“We always respond positively to real proposals for a ceasefire with Russia, if such proposals truly exist,” he said.

In an interview with Bloomberg, Zelenskyy also suggested that Russia may be willing to agree to a longer-term ceasefire in exchange for the easing or removal of sanctions.

He urged the United States and European countries to maintain sanctions pressure on Moscow and resist any attempts by Russia to secure sanctions relief as part of a ceasefire arrangement.

“I think Russia may raise the issue of a ceasefire in exchange for lifting sanctions on certain enterprises,” Zelenskyy said.

The President noted Russian officials are also seeking the removal of restrictions on access to the SWIFT banking system in order to allow Russian banks to operate more freely.

“This poses a major risk for Ukraine,” Zelenskyy warned.

In recent days, the possibility of a temporary ceasefire around 9 May has become one of the main topics in the public discussion, with Ukraine repeatedly stating that it is ready for peace, but not for what it sees as tactical manipulation by Russia.