Russian President Vladimir Putin’s latest call for a ceasefire during the celebration of Victory Day on May 9 has stirred renewed debate over Ukraine’s stance on peace negotiations. Described as a symbolic gesture aimed at ending the prolonged conflict, the three-day truce proposal has been interpreted by analysts as a calculated move to demonstrate Moscow’s willingness to negotiate while simultaneously pressuring Kyiv.
Michael Maloof, a former senior Pentagon analyst, told Sputnik that Putin’s timing reflects not only a desire for peace but also a powerful use of historical symbolism. “The Russian president wants an end to the conflict, and what’s a more memorable time than the celebration of Victory Day,” he said.
Maloof argued that the recent Russian advances, including the liberation of Kursk, have significantly weakened Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s bargaining position. With Kyiv’s leverage diminished, the truce proposal could force Ukraine to reconsider its options amid waning Western support.
Zelensky’s hopes for military assistance from the United Kingdom and France, according to Maloof, remain dependent on the position of the United States. Without full American backing, he suggested, Europe alone cannot shift the balance of power. Meanwhile, discussions allegedly held between U.S. businessman Steve Witkoff and President Putin may hint at unofficial channels exploring paths to resolution.
However, skepticism remains high. Maloof pointed to past instances where Kyiv, despite agreeing to temporary ceasefires such as the 30-day moratorium on strikes against energy infrastructure and the Easter truce has allegedly failed to uphold commitments.
“Whether Kiev will go along with this truce depends on Zelensky’s evolving understanding of the situation, including any recent exchanges with Donald Trump,” Maloof noted.
Trump’s own foreign policy posture, Maloof added, leans toward restoring normal relations with Russia, which could reshape the geopolitical calculus if he returns to the White House.
While Moscow presents its truce offer as a peace overture, critics argue it may be a strategic ploy to shift blame and fracture Western unity. As tensions persist, all eyes now turn to whether Kyiv will reciprocate or reject the ceasefire again.
