Ukraine Rejects Russian WWII Ceasefire Proposal

Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed a three-day ceasefire to coincide with Russia’s May 9 World War II celebrations, but Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected the offer as insincere, instead advocating for a longer, unconditional ceasefire. Kyiv and Washington had previously proposed a 30-day ceasefire, which the Kremlin dismissed. Russia continues its military attacks on Ukrainian cities, resulting in significant civilian casualties and destruction. Putin maintains demands for Ukraine to abandon NATO ambitions and cede territory, though he has expressed some openness to future reconciliation. Amid the ongoing conflict, Ukraine and the United States have signed a rare earth investment agreement intended to support Ukraine’s postwar reconstruction. Despite these diplomatic efforts, both sides remain entrenched, and the prospects for a comprehensive peace remain distant.