Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a unilateral three-day pause in hostilities in Ukraine on Monday, a move that was immediately met with skepticism by Ukraine, who reiterated that Putin accept a broader ceasefire proposal backed by the United States (which he has so far refused). The Kremlin stated that “all military operations” would be halted from midnight on May 8 through midnight on May 11, citing “humanitarian reasons” for the decision.
Putin announced the ceasefire in Moscow to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Soviet Union and its allies in World War II. The Kremlin said the 72-hour ceasefire would run for three days either side of May 9, when Putin will be hosting international leaders including Chinese President Xi Jinping for lavish celebrations to commemorate victory over Nazi Germany. The Kremlin said in a statement: “All military actions are suspended for this period [from midnight on May 8 through midnight on May 11]. Russia believes that the Ukrainian side should follow this example. In the event of violations by the Ukrainian side, Russia’s armed forces will give an adequate and effective response.”
Putin’s new announcement follows the Kremlin’s recent declaration of a 30-hour Easter truce, which Kyiv accepted; however, Ukraine’s military later accused Russian forces of violating that agreement, reporting over 2,900 attacks across the frontlines during the ceasefire window. Russia has also claimed that Ukraine breached that truce.
Press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters at the White House that President Trump has said he wants a permanent end to Russia’s war on Ukraine, and he is “losing patience: with both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy: “he wants to see a permanent cease-fire and I understand Vladimir Putin this morning offered a temporary ceasefire. The president has made clear he wants to see a permanent cease-fire first, to stop the killing, stop the bloodshed. While he remains optimistic he can strike a deal, he also is being realistic as well. Both leaders need to come to the table to negotiate their way out of this.”
National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes added on Monday: “President Trump welcomes President Putin’s readiness to pause fighting, but the president has made it very clear that he expects a permanent ceasefire to bring a peaceful resolution to the conflict.”
In response to Putin’s temporary ceasefire, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine believes there is “no reason to wait” until May 8 for a ceasefire: “Russia has consistently rejected everything and continues to manipulate the world, trying to deceive the United States. Now, yet again, another attempt at manipulation: for some reason everyone is supposed to wait until May 8 before ceasing fire — just to provide Putin with silence for his parade … The ceasefire should not be just for a few days, only to return to killing afterward,” he said. “It must be immediate, full, and unconditional — for at least 30 days to ensure it is secure and guaranteed. This is the foundation that could lead to real diplomacy. All the Russians’ statements about peace without ceasing fire are just plain lies.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy agreed to a U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire early in March; however, Putin has repeatedly rejected the offer. Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak expressed gratitude to Trump for supporting a complete ceasefire, posting on X that “only a full, unconditional, and lasting ceasefire — not a temporary one like Putin suggests — can truly end the war.”
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha echoed that sentiment, responding to Putin’s announcement by saying, “If Russia genuinely wants peace, it should stop hostilities immediately. Why wait until May 8? Ukraine remains committed to a stable, enduring, and comprehensive ceasefire, and that’s what we continue to propose — for a minimum of 30 days.”
Editorial credit: Frederic Legrand – COMEO / Shutterstock.com
