Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a three-day ceasefire beginning May 8 to honor World War II.
“By order of Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, the Russian side, guided by humanitarian motives, announces a ceasefire for the celebrations of the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War to last from May 8, 00:00 Moscow time to May 11, 00:00 Moscow time,” an official statement reads. “Any military operations will be ceased during this period.”
The announcement noted that Ukraine “should follow this example.”
“In the event of any violations of the ceasefire by the Ukrainian side, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation will give a proportionate and efficient response,” the statement continued. “The Russian side reiterates its willingness to enter peace talks without preconditions, with a view to eliminating the root causes behind the Ukraine crisis and establishing constructive interaction with international partners.”
Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha said following the Kremlin’s statement: “If Russia truly wants peace, it must cease fire immediately.”
“Why wait until May 8th? If the fire can be ceased now and since any date for 30 days—so it is real, not just for a parade,” he wrote on X. “Ukraine is ready to support a lasting, durable, and full ceasefire. And this is what we are constantly proposing, for at least 30 days.”
President Trump on April 26 warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin may face further sanctions unless he accepts a ceasefire agreement with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Discussing Russia’s recent attacks on Ukraine, Trump wrote on Truth Social, “[T]here was no reason for Putin to be shooting missiles into civilian areas, cities and towns, over the last few days. It makes me think that maybe he doesn’t want to stop the war, he’s just tapping me along, and has to be dealt with differently, through ‘Banking’ or ‘Secondary Sanctions?’ Too many people are dying!!!”
