Overview

• Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a unilateral three-day ceasefire from May 8 to May 10 to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory Day, citing humanitarian grounds.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga criticized the timing and brevity of the truce, calling for an immediate, full, and unconditional 30-day ceasefire to facilitate genuine diplomacy.
• The Kremlin warned that any Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire would prompt an 'adequate and effective' response from Russian forces, further deepening mistrust between the sides.
• U.S. President Donald Trump expressed frustration with both Russia and Ukraine, reiterating his call for a permanent ceasefire and threatening to withdraw from mediation efforts if progress remains stalled.
• Past unilateral truces, including an Easter ceasefire, have been marred by mutual accusations of violations and failed to significantly reduce hostilities, casting doubt on the effectiveness of Putin’s latest proposal.