Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has sharply rejected Russian President Vladimir Putin's proposal for a ceasefire from May 8 to 11, 2025, to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. In his evening video address on April 28, Zelensky called the initiative "another attempt at manipulation" aimed at ensuring silence for a military parade in Moscow.

"We value human lives, not parades. That is why we believe – the world believes – that there is no reason to wait for May 8. The fire must cease for more than just a few days," — he said on Telegram.

Zelensky recalled that back in March 2025, Ukraine agreed to a US proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, but Russia refused. The White House supported Kyiv's position, stating that US President Donald Trump advocates a permanent, not temporary, ceasefire. Press Secretary Caroline Levitt noted Trump's growing disappointment with the actions of both Putin and Zelensky due to the ongoing fighting.

Putin's proposal, voiced by the Kremlin on April 28, called for a suspension of hostilities from midnight on May 7-8 to midnight on May 10-11 for humanitarian reasons. The Kremlin also warned that any violations by Ukraine would be met with an adequate and effective response.

Earlier, on April 19-21, Putin declared an Easter truce, which Zelensky agreed to observe in a "mirror" manner. However, both sides accused each other of violations. Despite this, Zelensky noted the absence of air raid sirens during those 30 hours, which could have served as a basis for extending the silence.

Russia has not yet commented on Zelensky's refusal to cease fire.