Overview

• Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced a unilateral ceasefire from May 8 to 10, coinciding with Victory Day commemorations.
• The United States and Ukraine have rejected the limited truce, calling instead for an immediate and lasting ceasefire, with Ukraine proposing a 30-day pause in hostilities.
• Moscow has reiterated its preconditions for peace talks, including Ukraine's recognition of Russian territorial claims and a neutral, demilitarized status.
• Fighting continues on the ground, with three civilians reported killed in a Russian attack in the Donetsk region, highlighting the ongoing toll of the conflict.
• Reports indicate that Russia is expanding military bases near Finland, signaling continued strategic posturing beyond the Ukraine conflict.