Russia Putin announces three-day ceasefire for World War commemoration
Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared a ceasefire in the Ukraine war lasting several days to commemorate the victory in the Second World War in 1945. It is to last from dawn on May 8 until dawn on May 11, the Kremlin announced on its website.
28.04.2025, 14:18
SDA
"During this time, all hostilities are to cease". The announcement was initially unilateral. "Russia assumes that the Ukrainian side should follow this example," it said. Putin cited "humanitarian considerations" as the reason.
On Holy Saturday, the Kremlin leader had recently ordered a 30-hour ceasefire over Easter, which was also followed by Ukraine, which was under attack. There was less fighting during this time, but it did not come to a complete standstill. Moscow did not comply with a demand by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selensky to extend the ceasefire by 30 days after Easter.
Moscow expects guests for victory parade
The commemoration of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany 80 years ago is an important holiday for Russia. On May 9, Russia's Victory Day, a large military parade will be held in Moscow. Numerous state guests are expected to attend, led by Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Russia is also under pressure to show gestures of goodwill. US President Donald Trump, who wants to bring an end to the war that has been going on for more than three years, recently accused Moscow of lacking the will to make peace. His administration has threatened to withdraw as a mediator if there is no rapid progress.
Putin ordered a large-scale invasion of neighboring Ukraine in February 2022.
