On April 28, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a unilateral 72-hour ceasefire in Ukraine, set to commence at midnight on May 7 and conclude at midnight on May 10. This truce aligns with Russia’s observance of Victory Day on May 9, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The Kremlin stated that the ceasefire was declared on humanitarian grounds and urged Ukraine to reciprocate. However, it warned that any violations by Ukrainian forces would elicit an “adequate and effective response” from Russia.
This announcement follows a previous 30-hour Easter ceasefire on April 19-20, during which both Russia and Ukraine accused each other of multiple violations. The timing of the new ceasefire coincides with increased pressure from the United States for a comprehensive cessation of hostilities. President Donald Trump, after meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, expressed frustration with Putin, suggesting that the Russian leader might be stalling peace efforts. Trump indicated that the U.S. might reconsider its role as a mediator if progress isn’t made within two weeks.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reiterated Moscow’s conditions for a lasting peace, including Ukraine’s recognition of Russian sovereignty over annexed regions such as Crimea, Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia. He also emphasized demands for the “demilitarization and denazification” of Ukraine and a commitment that Ukraine would not join NATO. Lavrov stated that the initiation of direct talks depends on Ukraine revoking a 2022 decree that barred negotiations with Russia following the annexation of Ukrainian territories.
As of now, there has been no official response from Kyiv regarding the proposed ceasefire. Ukrainian officials have consistently expressed skepticism toward Russia’s unilateral ceasefire declarations, citing previous instances where such truces were allegedly used by Moscow to regroup and continue military operations.
For more details, you can read the full article here: | Al Jazeera.
