Topline
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday announced a three-day ceasefire in Ukraine from May 8 to 10 as Russia celebrates the end of World War II, a declaration that comes as President Donald Trump had indicated he was losing patience with Putin as peace talks dragged on with no progress..
The Kremlin called on Ukraine to accept the ceasefire, which Putin declared on “humanitarian … More
Key Facts
The Kremlin said in a statement Monday the ceasefire would begin May 8 and end at midnight on May 11 and called on Ukraine to “follow this example,” though Russia said it would give an “adequate and effective response” if Ukraine violated the ceasefire.
The Kremlin said Putin declared the ceasefire on “humanitarian grounds” to recognize the May 9 holiday celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union and its allies over Nazi Germany in World War II.
Ukrainian officials, including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, did not immediately respond to news of the ceasefire.
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Crucial Quote
In the announcement, the Kremlin noted Russia had declared “its readiness for peace talks without preconditions aimed at removing the root causes of the Ukrainian crisis and constructive cooperation with international partners.”
Key Background
The ceasefire declaration follows weeks of talks between the U.S., Ukraine and Russia to negotiate a peace agreement. On Saturday, Trump, who met with Zelenskyy in the Vatican, said he believed Putin “doesn’t want to stop the war” and that the Russian leader was “just tapping me along.” Zelenskyy, who has feuded with Trump since his inauguration in January, said the Vatican discussion was a “good meeting … that has potential to become historic.” Trump has said work on a peace deal was “going smoothly,” despite Secretary of State Marco Rubio signalling recently the U.S. would walk away from talks if progress was not made soon. Rubio told NBC on Sunday that discussions for a peace deal would be “very critical” this week.” Russia has agreed to “pretty big concessions” to end the war in Ukraine, Trump said last week, suggesting “Crimea will stay with Russia” and later claimed Zelenskyy was prepared to give up the Russian-occupied territory to achieve peace.
Further Reading
Trump Suggests Russia Could Face Secondary Sanctions—As He Accuses Putin Of ‘Tapping’ Him Along Over Ukraine War (Forbes)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/tylerroush/2025/04/28/russia-declares-3-day-ceasefire-in-ukraine-for-world-war-ii-victory-day/