Tensions between Russia and Ukraine have escalated further after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected Moscow’s offer for a three-day ceasefire during Russia’s May 9 Victory Day Parade. In response, Kremlin official Dmitry Medvedev issued a chilling warning, stating that “nobody will guarantee the dawn of May 10 in Kyiv” if Ukraine provokes Russia.
The ceasefire proposal, announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin, was intended to pause hostilities from May 8 to May 10 to allow for commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany. However, Zelenskyy dismissed the offer as a “theatrical production”, arguing that a longer, 30-day ceasefire was necessary for meaningful peace efforts.
Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council, accused Ukraine of endangering the sanctity of Russia’s national commemoration, calling Zelenskyy’s rejection a “verbal provocation”. Meanwhile, reports suggest that some foreign leaders invited to the Moscow parade, including Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, may reconsider their attendance due to security concerns.
Ukraine has maintained that it cannot guarantee the safety of foreign dignitaries attending the Moscow event, placing full responsibility on Russia for their security. The Kremlin, however, insists that the ceasefire proposal was a test of Kyiv’s willingness to seek a peaceful resolution.
With diplomatic tensions rising, global leaders are closely monitoring the situation, as fears grow over potential escalations in the conflict.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
