Zelenskyy rejects Russia's three-day truce as he accuses Putin of 'playing games'

Zelenskyy hit out at the Russian leader, branding the offer a “performance” and rejecting the idea of a temporary peace.

It comes after Putin allegedly breached his so-called Easter truce more than 3,000 times, despite committing to a pause in hostilities.

Speaking on Friday, Zelenskyy said: “This is more of a theatrical performance on his part.

“Because in two or three days, it is impossible to develop a plan for the next steps to end the war.”

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Ukraine will not be “playing games to create a pleasant atmosphere to allow for Putin’s exit from isolation on May 9, he said.

The 72-hour ceasefire would begin on May 8 and coincide with the arrival of several world leaders in Moscow to mark VE Day.

Despite these offers of temporary ceasefires, Russia has rejected any attempt to find a lasting peace, blocking a 30-day pause in fighting proposed by the US.

Branding the 72-hour deal “unserious” Zelenskyy said any deal must be able to bring about a lasting peace.

“We cannot be responsible for what happens on the territory of the Russian Federation. They are responsible for your security, and therefore we will not give you any guarantees,” he said.

Russia has hit back at Zelenskyy, accusing him of risking the security of its World War Two celebrations.

The Kremlin warned Kyiv “may not survive” to May 10 if Ukraine attacks Moscow during the May 9 commemoration.

“He is threatening the physical safety of veterans who will come to parades and celebrations on the holy day,” Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, said on Telegram.

“His statement … is, of course, a direct threat.”

This comes after the US announced it is pulling out of formal peace talks between Ukraine and Russia as it urged both countries to come up with "concrete" proposals to end the war.

President Trump will no longer act as a mediator between the two countries, the State Department has confirmed. Tammy Bruce, a spokesperson, said the US is changing “the methodology of how we contribute” to talks and will stop travelling "around the world at the drop of a hat” for negotiations.

“Now it is up to the two sides, the time has come when they must present and develop concrete ideas on how to end this conflict. It will be up to them,” he added.