Donald Tusk warned that a single‑day ceasefire on May 9 would serve Kremlin optics, not peace, and he will not urge Ukraine to accept it.

Poland sharply rejected Russia’s proposal for a one-day ceasefire on May 9, calling it absurd, and does not support agreeing to such a step ahead of the Moscow parade. This position was voiced by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk during his stay in Warsaw before departing for the European Political Community summit.

According to him, the signal from Moscow pertains only to a short-term ceasefire aimed at conducting the parade.

“But this is absurd. I will in no way persuade President Zelensky to agree to such proposals. If there were a possibility of a ceasefire and cessation of bloodshed not for several dozen hours – only because it would be convenient for Putin – but as a stepping stone to serious peace talks, then, of course, Poland would support it with all its might.”

Tusk emphasized that there are always many topics for discussion between Poland and Ukraine, including the anticipated large conference in Gdańsk on Ukraine’s reconstruction.

“In Rzeszów (Ukraine Recovery Conference) I spoke about what matters most to me: not only discussing Ukraine’s reconstruction, which, in a literal sense, is also in Poland’s interest, but also how to strengthen Poland’s security through military cooperation with Ukraine as well,” said Tusk.

During his visit to Yerevan, a bilateral meeting between Tusk and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was expected.

During the recent conference “On the Path to URC (Ukraine Recovery Conference). Security and Defense Dimension,” which took place on April 27 in Rzeszów, the head of government stated Poland’s intention to build a “drone fleet,” drawing on Ukraine’s experience and its technologies.

“Russia intends to ceasefire on May 9 regardless of Ukraine’s agreement or refusal to a temporary ceasefire”

– Dmitry Peskov

The President of Ukraine expressed the view that Russia may offer the West the lifting of sanctions on some Russian companies in exchange for a ceasefire.

According to participants in public events and official statements, Poland continues to support serious peace talks and strengthening regional security through joint work with Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and cooperation with partner countries.

A ceasefire solely for the May 9 parade in Moscow is absurd – Tusk.