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Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a three-day ceasefire from May 8 to 10 to mark the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s World War II victory. The Kremlin said the pause, coinciding with Victory Day celebrations featuring Chinese President Xi Jinping, signals Russia’s continued interest in peace. However, Ukraine and its European allies remain skeptical, accusing Moscow of using truces to gain strategic advantage.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy criticized the limited ceasefire, urging a 30-day truce instead. “We value lives, not parades,” Zelenskiy said, questioning the need to wait until May 8. Meanwhile, the Kremlin warned it would respond to any violations during the ceasefire.
The announcement follows a recent call between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. The Biden administration welcomed Putin’s gesture but stressed the need for a permanent ceasefire. National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes stated, “President Trump wants a lasting peace, not just a pause.”
Russia reiterated its conditions for peace talks, including Ukraine’s NATO exclusion, "demilitarization," and recognition of four occupied regions. Lavrov emphasized direct negotiations without preconditions, although Ukraine’s 2022 decree bans talks with Putin after Russia’s annexation attempts.
Kyiv accuses Moscow of stalling to capture more territory, while Russia claims Ukraine is unwilling to compromise. Trump recently suggested Ukraine could cede Crimea, a move Zelenskiy rejected as unconstitutional.
Tensions remain high as Washington threatens to halt diplomatic efforts unless tangible progress occurs. Both sides accuse each other of exploiting ceasefires, highlighting the fragile state of ongoing peace initiatives.
