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Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced an unexpected three-day ceasefire, set for May 8-10, aligning with Moscow’s observance of Victory Day, according to a statement from the Kremlin on Monday.
The Kremlin stated that it expected Kyiv to issue a similar ceasefire declaration and indicated that it was prepared to address any violations of the potential cessation of hostilities.
Previously, Putin had ordered a pause in combat during Easter—a lull both sides accused each other of breaching numerous times, although it did result in a temporary decrease in fighting.
“The Russian side is declaring a ceasefire during the 80th anniversary of Victory Day, from midnight on May 7-8 to midnight on May 10-11. All combat operations will be suspended during this period,” the Kremlin said in a statement.
Last month, Putin dismissed a US offer for a comprehensive and unconditional 30-day ceasefire, which Ukraine had accepted.
Kyiv and its European allies have criticised Putin for proclaiming the 30-hour Easter ceasefire as a public relations tactic, claiming he lacks genuine interest in achieving peace.
Since its military campaign began in Ukraine in February 2022, Russia has captured significant portions of four Ukrainian regions and has declared them as its territory, in addition to Crimea, which it annexed in 2014.
Putin’s ceasefire order comes at the start of what the United States has indicated will be a pivotal week for assessing the prospects of a ceasefire that could influence Washington’s ongoing efforts to facilitate a resolution.
After meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at Pope Francis’s funeral on Saturday, Donald Trump expressed scepticism regarding the sincerity of the Russian leader’s intentions for peace.
Earlier on Monday, Russia stated it was open to direct negotiations with Ukraine, but insisted that acknowledgement of its claims over five Ukrainian regions, including Crimea, was crucial for settling the conflict.
