Zelenskyy calls Russian 3-day ceasefire plan 'theatrical performance'

Alsharq Tribune- Zainab Hussin 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin's unilateral declaration of a three-day ceasefire as a theatrical performance.

Putin announced that the ceasefire will begin on Thursday, a day before the anniversary of the former Soviet Union's victory in World War Two.

Zelenskyy told reporters on Friday that it is impossible to build any plan for the next steps to end the war in two or three days. He stressed again that Russia should agree to an unconditional 30-day ceasefire.

He also warned that Ukraine cannot be responsible for the safety of foreign guests in Russia attending the anniversary ceremony scheduled for Friday. He indicated that Russia might stage an incident and try to blame Ukraine.

Zelenskyy also spoke about a meeting he had with US President Donald Trump at the Vatican in April. He said it may have been short, but it was the best talk they have had so far and the most substantive. He stressed that the meeting had the effect of prompting Trump to change his views on the Ukrainian situation.