Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sunday that he “does not believe” Russia will stick to an upcoming three-day truce to coincide with Moscow's Victory Day celebrations.
Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a three-day truce to coincide with the commemoration in Moscow on May 9 to mark the anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe, saying it would test Keeff's long-term peace preparations.
“This is not the first challenge, nor is it the first promise to stop the fire in Russia,” Zelensky said at a joint press conference for Czech President Pertr Pavel in Prague.
“We understand who we are dealing with and we don't believe them,” Zelensky added, whose country has been fighting the Russian invasion since February 2022.
Moscow earlier rejected an unconditional 30-day ceasefire proposed by Kyiv and Washington in March.
“Today and all these days, they're talking about wanting some sort of partial ceasefire, but, for example, you should know, today's attacks are the highest in recent months,” Zelensky said.
He cited a military report and added that Russia carried out more than 200 attacks on Saturday.
“So there is no confidence in them,” Zelensky added.
Former NATO general Pavel said he would focus on those willing to truly abide by the ceasefire, not those who are just talking about exercising their will.
Pavel added: “Putin could end the war with a decision, but so far he has not shown any willingness.”
Zelensky arrived in Prague with his wife for a two-day visit.
The Czech Republic (member of the EU and NATO) has provided a large amount of humanitarian and military support to Ukraine since the Russian invasion began in February 2022.
It has received more than 5 million war refugees and has provided Ukrainian troops with equipment including tanks, armored vehicles and helicopters.
Prague also directed Europe to provide Ukraine with artillery ammunition, a weapon that was mainly funded by NATO allies, which Zelensky called in a press conference “Excellent.”
The initiative aims to form part of the EU's failure to fulfill its promise of one million dollars to Ukraine.
Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala and the two speakers of the parliament said they will meet Zelensky in Prague on Monday.
CAD-FRJ/SBK
