Putin Announces Three-Day Ceasefire in Ukraine to Mark 80th Anniversary of Victory in Great Patriotic War
Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced a three-day ceasefire in Ukraine from May 8th to May 10th, 2025, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. The Kremlin confirmed on Monday that this decision was made based on humanitarian considerations, aiming to honor the historical significance of the occasion while showing a commitment to easing tensions. According to the official statement, “By order of Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, the Russian side, guided by humanitarian motives, announces a ceasefire for the celebrations of the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War to last from May 8, 00:00 Moscow time to May 11, 00:00 Moscow time. Any military operations will be ceased during this period.”
This ceasefire holds symbolic value, as Russia is preparing grand celebrations on May 9th to mark the historic victory over Nazi Germany during the years 1942-1945, a period referred to domestically as the Great Patriotic War. The 80th anniversary is an emotionally and politically significant event for Russia, deeply rooted in national pride and collective memory. By initiating the ceasefire during this period, Moscow aims to not only pay tribute to its wartime history but also to project an image of a responsible actor willing to observe humanitarian gestures during important historical moments.
In addition to announcing the ceasefire, the Russian side reiterated its readiness to engage in peace negotiations without preconditions. The Kremlin emphasized its intention to address the underlying causes of the ongoing Ukraine crisis and expressed willingness to work constructively with international partners to seek long-term solutions. This marks another public call from Moscow for dialogue amid continuing global efforts to bring an end to the devastating conflict.
However, the Kremlin issued a stern warning, stating that any violations of the ceasefire by Ukrainian forces would be met with a “proportionate and efficient response” from the Russian Armed Forces. This conditional statement highlights the fragile nature of the truce and reflects the deep distrust that persists between the two sides despite gestures toward temporary peace.
International reactions to the recent developments continue to emerge. Former U.S. President Donald Trump, after meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, criticized the recent Russian military actions, stating on social media, “There was no reason for Putin to be shooting missiles into civilian areas, cities, and towns over the last few days.” His comments underline the broader skepticism among Western leaders regarding Russia’s intentions, despite Moscow’s ceasefire announcement.
As the world watches closely, the three-day truce will be a critical test of both sides’ willingness to de-escalate, even temporarily, and could influence the broader trajectory of the conflict moving forward. Whether this ceasefire opens a path toward more sustained negotiations remains uncertain, but it undoubtedly adds a new dimension to the ongoing war narrative.
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