Ukraine at the UN: Peace is only possible on fair terms, not for the sake of a parade.

Ukraine's Deputy Foreign Minister Maryana Betza stated during a UN Security Council meeting that Ukraine seeks an immediate, complete, and unconditional ceasefire, but will not accept peace 'at any cost.'

She criticized Russia's proposal for a three-day truce that was supposed to start on May 9, stating that such actions by Russia are aimed at propaganda rather than a real cessation of war.

Betza asks why Russia does not ceasefire today if it truly wants to end the war. She emphasizes that the proposal for the duration of the truce has nothing to do with peace and is merely a way for Russia to promote propaganda during the celebration of Victory Day over Nazism.

Ukraine does not recognize any temporarily occupied territories, including Crimea, as Russian. It emphasizes that a ceasefire should not lead to a freezing of the conflict, but should be the first step towards a just and lasting peace.

Ukraine has always been ready for diplomatic negotiations to achieve peace, but it is Russia that initiated aggression.

The Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the UN, Vasily Nebenzya, stated that Moscow is prepared for direct negotiations with Kyiv, despite the legitimacy issues surrounding Zelensky. He hopes that Western countries will stop supplying weapons to Ukraine and will persuade Zelensky to engage in constructive dialogue.

Analysis:

Ukraine continues to emphasize the need for a ceasefire in Ukraine, but not at any cost. Deputy Foreign Minister Maryana Betza harshly criticizes Russia for its proposal for a three-day truce, claiming that such actions are merely a form of propaganda. She also emphasizes Ukraine's non-recognition of occupied territories and demands a full cessation of military aggression.

Russian representative Vasily Nebenzya claims Moscow's readiness for direct negotiations with Kyiv but demands an end to the supply of weapons to Ukraine and urges Zelensky toward constructive dialogue.