Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced a three-day ceasefire from May 8 to May 10, coinciding with Victory Day celebrations marking the end of World War II. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is pushing back, calling for a genuine and immediate ceasefire—not a temporary pause for political optics.
The Kremlin says this ceasefire is meant to honor the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany. The truce period, which includes May 9—a major national holiday in Russia—will feature high-profile events and a parade expected to host world leaders, including China’s President Xi Jinping.
But Ukraine sees through the gesture. “Why must we wait for May 8? Is peace only important when there’s a parade?” Zelensky questioned in his daily video address. “We care about human lives, not political theatre.”
Putin’s move is seen by some as an attempt to appear interested in peace talks amid rising pressure from the international community. However, critics argue that Russia is using these short-lived ceasefires to gain tactical advantages and reposition troops. This isn’t the first time; a similar 30-hour Easter truce earlier this month was marred by repeated violations from both sides.
The ceasefire announcement came shortly after a call between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. The U.S. expressed cautious optimism but emphasized that what’s needed is a permanent peace, not symbolic pauses.
“The president welcomes the gesture, but we’re looking for a long-term resolution,” said Brian Hughes from the U.S. National Security Council.
Russia, meanwhile, insists it wants a full settlement. The Kremlin says Ukraine should follow its lead and halt military actions during the ceasefire period. “Should there be violations by Ukraine, we’ll respond appropriately,” the statement warned.
Still, Ukraine is skeptical. Officials argue that Russia is only interested in buying time on the battlefield while pushing for conditions unacceptable to Kyiv, such as the recognition of four partially occupied Ukrainian regions as Russian territory and a constitutional ban on joining NATO.
The idea of peace talks remains complex. Russia says it’s open to direct talks with no preconditions, but Ukraine has a 2022 decree banning negotiations with Putin, following the illegal annexation of Ukrainian land. Meanwhile, Moscow is calling for “demilitarization” and “de-Nazification” of Ukraine—terms that Kyiv and much of the global community view as propaganda.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump, now a vocal figure in the ongoing conflict, recently criticized Russia’s attack on Kyiv and said Putin was “just stringing him along.” He also suggested Zelensky may be open to conceding Crimea—comments Ukraine has not officially addressed but which contradict its firm stance on territorial integrity.
For now, the world watches as Russia prepares for its May celebrations, while Ukraine pleads for immediate and sincere efforts toward peace—not just theatrics for global attention.
