Overview

• Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared a unilateral ceasefire from May 8 to May 11, citing humanitarian reasons tied to Victory Day commemorations.
• Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha rejected the short truce as insufficient and proposed a minimum 30-day reciprocal ceasefire instead.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj criticized the move as a manipulation to ensure calm during Russia's military parade, while noting continued Russian attacks despite prior ceasefires.
• The U.S. administration, under President Donald Trump, has increased pressure for a permanent ceasefire, warning of withdrawing mediation efforts if progress stalls.
• Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergej Lawrow reiterated Moscow’s maximalist conditions for peace talks, including territorial recognition and Ukraine's demilitarization, further complicating negotiations.