Putin Orders Three-Day Ceasefire for May 8-10 Amid World War II Victory Day Celebrations

Russia Insists on Recognition of Annexed Territories for Ukraine Talks

By DTD- On Apr 28, 2025

Moscow — Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced a surprise three-day ceasefire from May 8 to May 10, coinciding with Moscow’s World War II Victory Day celebrations, the Kremlin confirmed on Monday. Moscow expects Kyiv to reciprocate the truce and has warned that any violations would lead to an immediate and effective response from Russian forces.

The ceasefire order, which spans from midnight May 7-8 to midnight May 10-11, marks the 80th anniversary of Victory Day, a significant occasion in Russia. The Kremlin stated that all combat operations would be suspended during this period, urging Ukraine to follow suit. A similar ceasefire was implemented over Easter, although both sides accused each other of violating the truce numerous times, despite it temporarily reducing combat activities.

Putin’s latest declaration comes after he rejected a US proposal for a complete 30-day ceasefire, which Ukraine had accepted. Ukrainian and European leaders criticized Russia’s Easter ceasefire as a PR maneuver, accusing Putin of lacking a genuine interest in peace.

Meanwhile, former US President Donald Trump expressed skepticism about Putin’s sincerity, citing Russia’s continued missile strikes on Ukrainian cities, including the recent attacks on Zelensky’s hometown of Kryvyi Rig and other major cities. Trump questioned whether Putin truly wanted peace or was simply “tapping him along.”

On the diplomatic front, Russia reiterated its willingness to negotiate directly with Ukraine, though Moscow insists that international recognition of its annexed territories, including Crimea and four other Ukrainian regions, is essential for resolving the conflict. Ukraine has firmly rejected Russia’s claims, labeling them illegal.

In the ongoing military situation, Russia claimed to have fully secured the Kursk region, with assistance from North Korean forces. The Russian military also reported recent territorial gains in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region, marking a continued shift in battlefield dynamics. Despite these developments, Ukraine has made it clear that it will not legally recognize any of Russia’s territorial claims.

The conflict, which began in February 2022, has devastated large parts of eastern Ukraine, and the prospects for peace remain uncertain as both sides continue to engage in sporadic and intense combat.