Ukraine's leader, Zelensky, refuses the Russian offer for a short pause during Victory Day. He asks instead for a four-week stop in fighting. He tells foreign officials he cannot promise safety for anyone going to the Moscow celebrations on May 9. Russian president Putin wanted both sides to stop shooting for the 80th anniversary of defeating Nazi Germany.
Russian officials became angry about these statements. Security official Medvedev called it verbal threats against visitors. He warned that Kiev might face consequences if trouble happens during the victory events. Russian spokesperson Zakharova compared the Ukrainian president to terrorists who threaten foreign leaders. She said his words put both visiting heads of state and war veterans at risk. Putin had earlier asked Ukraine to join Russia in pausing combat for the holiday.
Russian officials became angry about these statements. Security official Medvedev called it verbal threats against visitors. He warned that Kiev might face consequences if trouble happens during the victory events. Russian spokesperson Zakharova compared the Ukrainian president to terrorists who threaten foreign leaders. She said his words put both visiting heads of state and war veterans at risk. Putin had earlier asked Ukraine to join Russia in pausing combat for the holiday.
