Zelensky Calls Putin’s 72-Hour Truce Pledge in Russia-Ukraine War ‘Manipulation’

Russian forces launched 100 assault drones throughout Ukraine in a single day, the Ukrainian authorities stated on Tuesday, killing a baby and wounding a number of folks simply hours after the Kremlin declared a unilateral three-day cease-fire beginning on Might 8.

The announcement on Monday that President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia had ordered the cease-fire was met swiftly with skepticism by Ukrainian officers.

“There isn’t any purpose to attend till Might 8,” President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine stated in his nightly tackle, calling the announcement “one other try at manipulation” amid the Trump administration’s push for an finish to the battle.

Mr. Zelensky famous that Ukraine had already agreed, on the urging of the USA, to an unconditional 30-day cease-fire — however that Russia had not. Nor did Russia comply with halt strikes on civilian targets, he added.

“Russia has constantly rejected all the things and continues to govern the world, making an attempt to deceive the USA,” stated Mr. Zelensky, who has accused Mr. Putin of enjoying for time in cease-fire negotiations to strengthen his hand.

If Russia really desires a cease-fire, Mr. Zelensky added, “it should be speedy, full and unconditional — for at the least 30 days to make sure it’s safe and assured.” He additionally stated that “the cease-fire shouldn’t be only for a couple of days, solely to return to killing afterward.”

The Kremlin spokesman, Dmitri S. Peskov, dismissed that suggestion on Tuesday by saying that Moscow wouldn’t comply with an extended cease-fire with out hammering out extra particulars.

“Particulars matter when you’re speaking a couple of prolonged cease-fire: It might be tough to comply with such a prolonged cease-fire with out addressing these points,” Mr. Peskov instructed Russian information businesses.

Apparently in search of to counter the notion that Russia was stonewalling Mr. Trump’s peace efforts, Mr. Peskov additionally reiterated what he stated was Russia’s provide to carry direct talks with Ukraine.

Mr. Peskov stated Russia was ready to speak to Mr. Zelensky’s authorities although it considers him an illegitimate president, as elections have been suspended in Ukraine underneath martial legislation.

“Certainly, there are authorized points associated to legitimacy,” Mr. Peskov stated. “However on this case, the curiosity in coming into into peace settlement processes is above all else.”

His feedback got here as Ukraine’s Air Power stated it had shot down 37 of the drones Russian forces launched in a single day. 9 drones had been downed within the Kyiv area, the native authorities stated, the place falling particles brought on accidents and began a fireplace at a resort.

Within the Dnipro area, a drone assault killed a 12-year-old woman. A 6-year-old woman and two adults had been additionally wounded, in keeping with the native authorities.

The Kremlin’s announcement concerning the non permanent truce got here shortly after President Trump expressed frustration with Russia’s continued bombardment of Ukraine. After assembly with Mr. Zelensky over the weekend, Mr. Trump stated that he questioned whether or not Mr. Putin really needed peace.

“Possibly he doesn’t need to cease the battle, he’s simply tapping me alongside, and needs to be handled otherwise,” Mr. Trump wrote in a social media put up.

Nataliya Vasilyeva and Anton Troianovski contributed reporting.