Putin Declares May 8-10 Ukraine Ceasefire Ahead of WWII Victory Day

April 29, 2025 | 02:16 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared a three-day ceasefire with Ukraine, set to take place from May 8 to 10, 2025, citing humanitarian reasons for the temporary halt in hostilities.

The Kremlin expressed hope that Ukraine would reciprocate the gesture, warning of consequences if the ceasefire is breached.

"Russia believes that the Ukrainian side should follow this example. In the event of violations of the truce by the Ukrainian side, the Russian armed forces will give an adequate and effective response," the Kremlin said, as quoted by NDTV.

The ceasefire coincides with Russia’s most significant national holiday, which marks the victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.

Ukraine, however, responded dismissively to the offer. "If Russia truly wants peace, it must cease fire immediately," said Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, as reported by Al Jazeera. He emphasized Ukraine’s openness to a longer or immediate truce.

"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 added. Sybiha did not confirm whether Kyiv would accept the proposal.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also rejected the proposed truce, criticizing the timing. "Now there’s a new attempt at manipulation: for some reason, everyone has to wait until May 8," Zelensky said.

Putin’s ceasefire order spans from midnight on May 7-8 to midnight on May 10-11. The announcement comes as international pressure, particularly from the United States, mounts for a broader ceasefire in the ongoing war.

Russia will mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Great Patriotic War, the term it uses for its war with the Third Reich from 1942 to 1945, commonly known as World War II, on May 9.

"During this period, all hostilities will cease," the Kremlin stated, adding that Putin’s decision was made "on humanitarian grounds."

The Kremlin reiterated its call for Kyiv to participate in the truce but warned of retaliation if Ukrainian forces violate the ceasefire.

Editor's Choice: North Korea Confirms Military Support for Russia in Ukraine War

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News

North Korea Confirms Military Support for Russia in Ukraine War

21 jam lalu

Russia Sends Emergency Aircraft to Iran After Port Blast

1 hari lalu

CIA Official's Son Reportedly Killed Fighting for Russia in Ukraine

3 hari lalu

Trump Accuses Ukraine's Zelensky of Harmful Statements on Russia Talks

4 hari lalu

Indonesia, Estonia Call for Ukraine Peace Talks

4 hari lalu

Ramzan Kadyrov's 17-Year-Old Son Appointed Chechnya's Security Council Secretary

5 hari lalu

Why Are People Buying More Gold Despite Soaring Prices? Researcher Explains

5 hari lalu

World Reacts to Pope Francis' Death

7 hari lalu

UN Urges Permanent Ceasefire Between Russia, Ukraine

8 hari lalu

Ukraine's Zelensky Accuses Putin of Violating 30-Hour Easter Ceasefire

8 hari lalu