Putin Announces Three-Day Ceasefire in Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine from May 8 to May 11, according to a statement from the Kremlin.

Why It Matters?

The ceasefire coincides with Russia’s Victory Day celebrations, marking the end of World War Two. However, previous ceasefire efforts have failed quickly, raising doubts about how long this truce will last.

Details

• The Kremlin said the ceasefire is based on "humanitarian considerations."

• Russia urged Ukraine to follow the ceasefire.

• If Ukraine violates the truce, Russia warned it would respond "adequately and effectively."

• Russia also stated it is open to peace talks without preconditions.

  
  

Ukraine's Response

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, criticized the timing of the ceasefire, asking why Russia would wait until May 8 if it truly wanted peace.

• He called for an immediate ceasefire lasting at least 30 days.

• "We are ready for a lasting, durable, and full ceasefire," Sybiha said on X (formerly Twitter).

  
  

U.S. Position

President Donald Trump, who has been trying to broker a deal, wants a permanent ceasefire, according to the White House.

• White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump is "increasingly frustrated" with leaders from both Russia and Ukraine.

• Trump believes ending the bloodshed permanently should come first before any celebrations or short truces.

  
  

The Bigger Picture

• This new truce follows a 30-hour Easter ceasefire which saw a slight drop in fighting but multiple accusations of violations from both sides.

• More than 20 ceasefire attempts have been made since the war began, but all have eventually failed, many within minutes.

• Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, and now controls about 20% of Ukraine’s territory, including Crimea.

• Hundreds of thousands of soldiers and civilians have been killed or wounded since the war began.

  
  

Between the Lines

• The United States views this week as "very critical" for peace talks.

• Trump’s administration has warned it might stop efforts to broker peace if progress isn’t made soon.

• Observers suggest Putin’s ceasefire offer is aimed at showing goodwill to Trump while Ukraine leans toward the U.S. proposal for a longer ceasefire.