'Why would we play Putin's game?': Ukrainians see Russian lull as sideshow

Russia is expected to begin a self-declared three-day pause in fighting against Ukraine on Wednesday night.

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Russia's Vladimir Putin proposed the three-day ceasefire to coincide with the anniversary of the end of World War Two in Europe – a public holiday in Russia on Friday known as Victory Day.

But in doing so Putin has rejected a much more substantial proposal from the Trump administration for a 30-day ceasefire and negotiations – a proposal that was accepted by Ukraine.

Zelensky has in turn rejected Russia's unilateral three-day ceasefire and said that Ukraine will not guarantee the safety of a celebratory military parade in Moscow's Red Square on 9 May.

Rosenberg: Russians remember WW2 with victory on their minds