Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reiterated Ukraine’s commitment to a 30-day ceasefire proposal, originally backed by the United States in March, as a genuine effort to de-escalate the ongoing conflict with Russia. The proposal includes halting all missile, drone, and bomb attacks across the front line and in the Black Sea region. Despite this diplomatic gesture, Russia has not officially responded and continues its military operations, including recent aerial attacks on Kyiv.
Zelenskyy’s reaffirmation came shortly after Russia proposed a separate, symbolic three-day ceasefire to coincide with the Victory Day celebrations marking the end of World War II. However, Ukraine has dismissed the offer, with Zelenskyy labeling it a meaningless gesture designed to mask ongoing aggression. Ukraine’s air force reported that even after the Russian ceasefire supposedly took effect, guided bomb attacks were launched on the Sumy region in northern Ukraine.
The ceasefire proposal by Ukraine, supported by Washington, is tied to broader diplomatic and economic cooperation. In return for Ukraine’s participation, the U.S. has agreed to resume suspended military aid and intelligence sharing. Additionally, both nations have moved forward on a pact to develop Ukraine’s critical mineral resources, which is seen as essential for boosting the country’s economy and long-term defense capabilities.
In a broader show of European support, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz have emphasized their continued backing for Ukraine. Both leaders called for a genuine Russian commitment to the ceasefire, with Macron raising doubts about President Vladimir Putin’s willingness to engage sincerely in peace efforts. While Chancellor Merz voiced optimism, he refrained from making definitive promises regarding Ukraine’s future security arrangements.
Meanwhile, overnight attacks on May 7 saw both Kyiv and Moscow targeted by drone strikes. In Ukraine’s capital, falling debris from intercepted drones sparked fires across three districts, resulting in two deaths and seven injuries, including children. In Moscow, Russia reported intercepting 14 Ukrainian drones, with no casualties or major damage, although air traffic at major airports was temporarily suspended.
These hostilities unfolded just ahead of Russia’s May 9 Victory Day Parade, an event of significant national pride, which this year marks the 80th anniversary of the Allied victory in World War II. Russian President Putin, who will be joined by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the commemorations, called for a temporary ceasefire between May 8 and 10. However, Ukraine maintains that only a broader, unconditional 30-day ceasefire can offer any hope of meaningful progress toward peace.
As the international community closely watches the developments, prospects for a lasting resolution remain uncertain. With continued violence and mutual distrust dominating the conflict, the proposed ceasefire—while promising—still faces serious obstacles to full implementation and acceptance on both sides.