Putin's temporary ceasefire is 'manipulation', Zelenskyy says Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Vladimir Putin of "another attempt at manipulation" after the Russian leader announced he was planning to pause fighting in Ukraine for three days next month. Yesterday, the Kremlin said the truce will start at midnight on 8 May (9pm UK time on 7 May) and last until the end of 10 May. The pause is centred around Russia's 80th anniversary celebrations marking the end of the Second World War. Posting on Telegram, the Kremlin said Russia "believes that the Ukrainian side should follow this example". But Zelenskyy has now questioned the motives of Russia. "We in Ukraine never wanted a single second of this war - and we have always said that we are ready to work as swiftly as possible with all partners who can help establish peace and guarantee security," he wrote on Telegram. "Russia has consistently rejected everything and continues to manipulate the world, trying to deceive the US. "Now, yet again, another attempt at manipulation: for some reason, everyone is supposed to wait until 8 May before ceasing fire - just to provide Putin with silence for his parade. We value human lives, not parades. "That's why we believe - and the world believes - that there is no reason to wait until 8 May." The Ukrainian leader went on to say the ceasefire "should not be just for a few days, only to return to killing afterwards". "It must be immediate, full, and unconditional - for at least 30 days to ensure it is secure and guaranteed," he added. You can watch our Moscow correspondent Ivor Bennet look at the "principal factor" driving Putin's ceasefire decision below...