[51556] Exchange of accusations and exchange of dates: Ukraine announces a 'silence regime' in response to Russian proposals

[51556] Exchange of accusations and exchange of dates: Ukraine announces a 'silence regime' in response to Russian proposals

Against the backdrop of Moscow's threats and unofficial appeals for a ceasefire ahead of May 9, President Zelensky announced an indefinite silence regime, while demanding concrete steps from Russia.

The 'Silence Regime' framework: Ukraine sets conditions for Moscow

While the Kremlin called for a symbolic ceasefire ahead of the Victory Parade on May 9, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the implementation of a "silence regime" starting from the night of May 6. According to reports from Україна Online, this is an indefinite move intended to put Russia to a test of sincerity: "If Russia ignores our conditions - nothing will hold us back on May 9."

Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Office of the President, emphasized that Ukraine is ready to extend the ceasefire if it is reciprocal. According to him, "The next step is Russia's. Is Moscow ready to prove that human life has any value for it?". In contrast, the Russian Ministry of Defense threatened in response with a "massive attack on the center of Kyiv" in the event that Ukraine attempts to disrupt the May 9 events in Moscow.

Reports on secret contacts

Various sources, including Труха⚡️Україנה, reported that "foreign embassies have conveyed unofficial inquiries" requesting that Ukraine agree to Putin's ceasefire proposal. According to these same sources, the Russian side even offered a "prisoner exchange" in return for a Ukrainian commitment not to attack the parade in Red Square.

The reality on the ground: Continuous attacks

Despite the announcement of the silence regime, Ukrainian media outlets including DeepState reported on a series of deadly Russian attacks in the cities of Zaporizhzhia, Kramatorsk, Chernihiv, and Dnipro, which resulted in dozens of deaths and injuries. President Zelensky defined the Russian conduct as "absolute cynicism," as on one hand, a "silence" is requested for propaganda purposes, and on the other hand, the bombing of energy infrastructure and the civilian population continues.