Putin Declares Three-Day Ceasefire in Ukraine Ahead of WWII Victory Celebrations
Ukraine demands longer truce as US pushes for permanent peace deal
Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine, set to begin on 8 May and last until 11 May, coinciding with Russia’s annual Victory Day commemorations marking the end of World War Two.
The Kremlin stated that the three-day ceasefire was declared “based on humanitarian considerations” and encouraged Ukraine to reciprocate. However, it also warned that any violations by Ukrainian forces would be met with “an adequate and effective response” by the Russian military.
In reaction, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha dismissed the short-term truce as insufficient and called for an immediate and extended ceasefire lasting at least 30 days. “If Russia truly wants peace, it must cease fire immediately,” he posted on social media platform X. “Why wait until May 8th, if lives can be saved now?”
Sybiha emphasized Ukraine’s willingness to support a “lasting, durable, and full ceasefire,” accusing Russia of symbolic gestures rather than meaningful de-escalation. He added that Ukraine continues to propose a 30-day truce as a basis for real peace efforts.
The ceasefire announcement comes after a similar, short-lived truce over Easter, which saw only a brief reduction in hostilities and widespread accusations from both sides of violating the agreement. Since the conflict began, more than 20 ceasefires have been attempted—none of which have held for long.
The White House also weighed in, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt saying U.S. President Donald Trump, who has been engaged in attempts to mediate the war, remains frustrated by both sides. “He wants to see a permanent ceasefire to stop the killing and end the bloodshed,” she said.
Despite the Kremlin’s renewed call for peace talks “without preconditions,” there is widespread skepticism over whether the ceasefire will hold or lead to any significant diplomatic breakthrough. As May 8 approaches, international observers remain cautious, with both the duration and sincerity of the truce under intense scrutiny.
