On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a three-day unilateral ceasefire in Ukraine, set to begin on May 8 and last until May 11.
The Kremlin stated that all military actions would be paused during this period, which coincides with Russia’s World War II Victory Day commemorations.
Ukrainian officials, however, expressed skepticism, with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha urging for an immediate, permanent ceasefire instead of the temporary one Putin proposed. He criticized the delay, asking why the ceasefire couldn’t start right away.
The announcement came as the U.S. administration intensified its pressure on both Moscow and Kyiv to reach a lasting peace deal.
While the White House welcomed the temporary pause, it reiterated its stance that a permanent ceasefire was necessary to end the conflict. U.S. National Security Council Spokesman Brian Hughes emphasized President Trump’s desire for a peaceful resolution. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, thanked Trump for supporting a comprehensive ceasefire and reiterated that only a full, unconditional ceasefire could end the war.
This move by Putin follows a failed 30-hour ceasefire over Easter, which saw both sides accusing each other of violating the truce.
Despite this, the U.S. remains hopeful that a deal can still be reached, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating that the next few days would be critical in negotiations.
Meanwhile, Russian attacks have continued, with at least 62 civilians killed since the Easter ceasefire, highlighting the lack of real progress in ending the violence.
