Overview

• Russia proposed a three-day ceasefire from May 8 to 10 for Victory Day, which Ukraine dismissed as a 'theatrical staging.'
• Ukraine countered with a 30-day ceasefire offer, emphasizing the need for a meaningful pause to advance peace talks, but Russia has not agreed.
• Despite its ceasefire proposal, Russia continues daily drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian cities, causing civilian casualties and destruction.
• President Putin stated that reconciliation with Ukrainians is 'inevitable,' while Dmitry Medvedev warned Kyiv of severe consequences for any 'provocations' on May 9.
• China's President Xi Jinping is visiting Moscow during Victory Day celebrations, as the U.S. bolsters Ukraine's defenses with additional Patriot missile systems.