Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced a temporary halt to military operations in Ukraine, set to take place from the morning of May 8 through May 11. The Kremlin said the ceasefire is tied to the country’s annual celebrations marking the end of World War II.
Ukraine, however, is calling for a more substantial commitment. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha urged for a minimum 30-day ceasefire to take effect immediately, criticizing the delay and limited scope of Russia’s proposal.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump—who has been attempting to mediate between the two nations—reportedly expressed his desire for a permanent end to the conflict, according to the White House.
Russia had previously announced a 30-hour ceasefire during Easter. Though fighting reportedly decreased slightly, both Moscow and Kyiv accused each other of repeated violations. Throughout the war, more than 20 ceasefires have been declared—none of which held, with some breaking down within minutes.
In a Monday statement, the Kremlin said Putin’s latest ceasefire declaration was made “on humanitarian grounds.” A translated excerpt read:
“Russia urges Ukraine to reciprocate. If Ukraine violates the truce, Russian forces will respond decisively and proportionately.
Russia also reaffirms its willingness to enter peace negotiations without preconditions, with the goal of addressing the core issues of the conflict and engaging constructively with international mediators.”
Responding on X (formerly Twitter), Sybiha asked: “If peace is the goal, why wait until May 8? Why not stop the violence now?”
He reiterated Ukraine’s support for “a full, lasting ceasefire,” calling on Russia to demonstrate genuine intent by committing to at least 30 days of calm.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Trump has grown “increasingly frustrated” with both Moscow and Kyiv.
“The president believes the killing must stop,” she said. “He’s made it clear he wants a permanent ceasefire—not just a symbolic one.”
This development comes during what U.S. officials describe as a “critical juncture” in ongoing peace negotiations. Washington has been leading efforts to secure a breakthrough but warned that American involvement might end if tangible progress isn’t achieved soon.
Observers say Putin’s ceasefire announcement appears aimed at signaling a willingness to negotiate, especially with Trump’s team actively involved. The fact that Ukraine has welcomed the U.S.-led proposal for a longer truce increases pressure on Russia to match that commitment.
Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began on February 24, 2022. Since then, it has taken control of around 20% of Ukrainian territory, including Crimea, which it annexed in 2014. The conflict has resulted in the deaths or injuries of hundreds of thousands, most of them military personnel on both sides.
