Putin Declares 3-Day Ceasefire in Ukraine From 8–11 May Ahead of WWII Victory Events
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Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a unilateral ceasefire across Ukraine from 08:00 on 8 May to 08:00 on 11 May, timing the pause with Russia’s Victory-Day commemorations. The Kremlin framed the move as “humanitarian,” warning Russian forces will “respond adequately” if Ukraine violates the truce and repeating Moscow’s offer of peace talks “without preconditions.”
Kyiv dismissed the gesture as insufficient. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha urged an immediate, full 30-day cessation of hostilities, echoing a U.S. proposal Ukraine accepted in March. He argued a genuine freeze could open space for negotiations on “territorial issues,” while Russia’s three-day window looked designed for parade optics rather than lasting de-escalation.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Donald Trump is “increasingly frustrated” with both sides and wants a permanent ceasefire to halt a war that still kills thousands each week. Washington warns its mediation effort could end if progress stalls during what it calls a “critical” week of diplomacy, even as Moscow signals readiness to resume direct talks once guns fall silent—at least temporarily.
