On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a proposed three-day ceasefire in Ukraine, set to take place from May 8 to 11. The truce is intended to coincide with the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II and aligns with Russia’s annual Victory Day celebrations on May 9.
Later that day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sharply criticized the ceasefire proposal, calling it “another attempt at manipulation.” He questioned the timing of the plan, saying, “Why should everyone wait until May 8 to stop fighting? Just so Putin can enjoy silence for his parade?”
Meanwhile, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reflected on a recent meeting between Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump, which took place on the sidelines of Pope Francis’ funeral in Rome the previous Saturday. Meloni suggested the encounter could mark a significant turning point for Ukraine.
“I believe it was a beautiful and potentially pivotal moment,” said Meloni. “From what I’ve heard from those involved, it might even be considered Pope Francis’ final gift to all of us.”
Speaking with emotion, she added, “In that face-to-face meeting, I felt — how can I describe it — his presence, his spirit.”
Leave a Reply