Tensions between Russia and Ukraine escalated yet again this week as Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky publicly rejected Moscow’s proposed 72-hour ceasefire to honor Victory Day, a sacred holiday marking the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. His refusal, coupled with remarks perceived as threatening the safety of veterans and dignitaries attending celebrations in Russia, prompted fierce condemnation from top Russian officials, who accused the Kiev regime of embracing “neo-Nazi” ideology and engaging in “terrorism at the international level.”

On May 3, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova denounced Zelensky’s comments, warning that he had reached “a new low” by endangering the physical safety of World War II veterans. “Today [Zelensky] hit a new low: now he is threatening the physical safety of veterans who will come to parades and ceremonial events on that sacred day,” Zakharova stated in a fiery response. She emphasized that the threats were a continuation of what Russia sees as a longstanding pattern of terrorist behavior from Ukraine’s leadership.

The controversy stems from Moscow’s recent announcement of a unilateral ceasefire. On April 28, President Vladimir Putin ordered Russian forces to halt all military operations against Ukrainian targets from midnight on May 7 until midnight on May 10, in respect for Victory Day commemorations. Putin also invited Kiev to join the ceasefire as a gesture of goodwill. However, Ukraine rejected the proposal almost immediately. President Zelensky dismissed the ceasefire offer as nothing more than a........

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