Russian President Vladimir Putin unilaterally announced a three-day ceasefire in the war in Ukraine, from May 8 to May 10, to mark the Soviet Union’s “Victory Day” in World War II in 1945.
Victory Day celebrations in Russia are held on May 9, with a parade in Moscow’s Red Square.
This followed remarks from U.S. President Donald Trump, who called on Putin to stop the attacks, while the U.S. announced it would decide within the week whether to continue peace negotiations.
Russia and Ukraine had agreed to ceasefires twice in recent months, but both sides have accused each other of violating them.
Ukraine described Putin’s move as a symbolic gesture and responded that if Putin truly wants peace, he must immediately stop the hostilities, stressing that Ukraine seeks a 30-day ceasefire, something Russia has rejected.
“Why wait until May 8? If we can stop the fire now, from any date, for 30 days — so that it’s genuine and not just for a parade,” said Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.
The last ceasefire announcement was during Easter, set to last for 30 hours, but both sides accused each other of violating the truce with mutual attacks.
