May 9 truce: Zelenskyy responds to Putin’s proposal and issues directives

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has ordered his team to contact President Donald Trump’s administration to clarify the details of Russia’s proposal for a short-term "regime of silence."

The head of state announced the move in an official statement.

"I have instructed our representatives to contact President Trump’s team to ascertain the specifics of the Russian proposal for a short-term truce. Ukraine seeks peace and is conducting the necessary diplomatic work to bring a real end to this war. We will determine exactly what is being offered: whether it is just a few hours of safety for a parade in Moscow or something more significant. Our counter-proposal is a long-term ceasefire that guarantees reliable security for the people and lasting peace. Ukraine is ready to work toward this in any dignified and effective format," the president stated.

Putin seeks May 9 truce — what we know

For the first time in 30 years, Russia may cancel its traditional May 9 parade in Moscow. An alternative solution could be rescheduling the Victory Day military celebrations. The move is reportedly driven by fears of potential attacks and the increasing range of Ukrainian missiles.

The Kremlin is allegedly open to a "regime of silence," though the occupiers have not specified the duration. It appears their primary goal is to ensure an undisturbed celebration on Red Square.

Specifically, during a recent phone call between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, the dictator stated that Russia is ready for a temporary ceasefire to mark Victory Day. Trump, for his part, reportedly backed the proposal.

Meanwhile, the NSDC's Center for Countering Disinformation is convinced that Russia’s May 9 truce initiative is purely pragmatic. Putin is attempting to frame it as a "gesture of goodwill," while in reality, he is simply fearing for his own safety during the holiday festivities.