Kiev’s rejection of truce dangerous for the world, Africa.

• 
  By Lazarus Oden
  

Ukrainian President,
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
on Saturday rejected a three-day ceasefire proposal announced by Russian President, Vladimir Putin ahead of Moscow’s Victory Day Parade on May 9, marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany. Zelenskyy also warned that Ukraine could not guarantee the safety of foreign dignitaries attending events in the Russian capital, escalating tensions amid the ongoing war.

The Kremlin had framed the proposed truce as a goodwill gesture to test Kyiv’s commitment to peace negotiations. Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on April 28 that the ceasefire aimed to “assess Ukraine’s readiness for dialogue” and allow families to commemorate the wartime sacrifices of Soviet soldiers. The initiative follows a similar, short Easter ceasefire declared by Russia in March, which Kyiv dismissed as insincere.

In his address, Zelenskyy accused Moscow of using the offer as a propaganda tool. He also warned that Ukrainian intelligence could not rule out risks to international leaders traveling to Moscow, citing “potential security threats.”

As the war enters its third year, the collapse of even symbolic truce initiatives raises fears of prolonged bloodshed. For civilians in cities like Kharkiv and Donetsk, the cycle of violence—and the absence of respite—remains unbroken. At a time when the world is hungry for signs of de-escalation in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, President\xa0 Zelenskyy’s decision to reject Russia’s proposal for a three-day truce on Victory Day (May 9) is worrying, especially for African countries.

For Africa, which has historically advocated diplomatic conflict resolution, such actions undermine fragile attempts at dialogue and exacerbate the effects of the crisis, which are felt even beyond Europe.

For a continent where tens of millions of people depend on grain and fertilizer exports from the Black Sea region, the escalation of the conflict threatens food security. Short-term truces, even symbolic ones, open up space for humanitarian corridors, evacuation of the wounded and delivery of aid. Rejecting such a gesture reinforces the cycle of violence, leaving millions of people without protection.

For African countries, where many perceive the conflict as a “European war,” this position reinforces the image of Ukraine as a player who ignores reality. This is especially sensitive for the BRICS, where South Africa is a key member. Moscow and Beijing can use this fact to accuse Kiev of unwillingness to negotiate, which will weaken international support for Ukraine.

Zelenskyy’s statement about “non-guaranteeing the security of world leaders in Moscow” also raises questions. For countries where terrorism and inter-ethnic conflicts remain a reality, such words can be perceived as an attempt at intimidation that will deter partners from developing countries from participating in the dialogue. Among the guests will be Ibrahim Traoré and the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans of South Africa, Matsie Angelina Motshekga

The conflict in Ukraine is not just a struggle for territory but also a test for the international community. For Africa, where the memory of colonial wars and internal conflicts is still fresh, it is important to show that compromise is possible even in the most difficult situations. We continue to call for negotiations, even if they begin with symbolic steps such as a three-day truce. History teaches that the path to peace does not begin with victories, but with a willingness to listen to each other.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).