Putin May Offer a May 9 Ceasefire in Return for SWIFT Access, Says Zelensky

Ukrainian President’s Remarks

According to Главком: In an interview with Bloomberg, President Volodymyr Zelensky suggested that Russia could propose a ceasefire in exchange for the lifting of sanctions, particularly those involving the SWIFT banking system. A potential short-term truce with Ukraine around May 9 was discussed during a phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin. Zelensky stated he has received no official or unofficial offers on this matter from either Moscow or Washington. He has instructed Ukrainian diplomats to contact the United States for more detailed information about this initiative.

Commemorating World War II Victims

Zelensky also highlighted that Ukraine and many other nations observe May 8 as a day of remembrance for those who died in World War II. He speculated that the Kremlin is seeking a ceasefire to ensure the security of its military parade in Moscow, scheduled for May 9.

'They want the parade to go smoothly for a few hours, and then resume attacks. We do not want any ceasefire to become a tactical deception by the Russian Federation,' Volodymyr Zelensky

The Ukrainian president also expressed a willingness to respond to genuine ceasefire proposals from Russia, should they actually materialize. 'We always react positively to real ceasefire proposals from Russia, if they exist,' he emphasized.

According to Russian sources, the Kremlin has stated its readiness to declare a ceasefire on May 9. Yuri Ushakov, an aide to the Russian president, reported that Trump supported this initiative during his phone conversation with Putin, which lasted over an hour and a half.

This situation highlights the complexity of diplomatic relations among Ukraine, Russia, and the United States, as well as the potential risks associated with ceasefire proposals. Assessing the Kremlin’s intentions and Ukraine’s readiness for negotiations could significantly influence the conflict’s future trajectory. Should substantive ceasefire offers emerge, international diplomatic efforts to stabilize the region are likely to intensify.

As the situation evolves, it's essential to understand the context of the proposed ceasefire. Recent discussions between Putin and Trump shed light on the Kremlin's intentions and the potential implications for Ukraine. For a deeper insight into this diplomatic exchange, you can read more about the details of their conversation regarding the May 9 ceasefire.