In a significant announcement, Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared a temporary ceasefire in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This pause in hostilities is set to begin on the morning of May 8 and will last until May 11, coinciding with the celebrations commemorating the end of World War II.
Ukraine’s call for a longer truce
In reaction to this development, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has urged for an immediate ceasefire that would extend for a minimum of 30 days. He expressed skepticism about the timing of the Russian declaration, questioning, “Why wait until May 8th?” In a post on X, Sybiha emphasized the urgency of halting hostilities, stating that the opportunity for peace should not be delayed for the sake of a parade.
Previous ceasefire attempts and ongoing tensions
The Kremlin recently implemented a similar ceasefire during Easter, which lasted for 30 hours. Although both parties reported a decrease in fighting during that period, accusations of violations were rampant, with each side claiming the other had breached the truce. Historically, ceasefire agreements in Ukraine have failed more than 20 times, often collapsing mere moments after taking effect. The latest announcement from the Kremlin is framed as a gesture of humanitarian concern, with a statement suggesting, “Russia believes that the Ukrainian side should follow this example.”
“In the event of violations of the ceasefire by the Ukrainian side, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation will give an adequate and effective response,” the Kremlin’s statement concluded.
Amid these developments, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has indicated that US President Donald Trump is becoming increasingly exasperated with both parties. Trump has articulated a desire for a permanent ceasefire, emphasizing the need to end the violence and prevent further loss of life. He remarked on the Kremlin’s temporary ceasefire offer, underscoring that he prefers a lasting agreement to effectively halt the conflict.
This announcement occurs during what US officials have termed a “very critical” week for peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. The Biden administration is actively attempting to facilitate a diplomatic resolution, yet has warned of the potential withdrawal from negotiations if tangible progress is not achieved. The Kremlin appears to be attempting to project a serious commitment to peace talks, particularly given Ukraine’s willingness to consider a more enduring ceasefire.
Since launching a full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, Russia has gained control of approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory, including Crimea, which was annexed in 2014. The toll of the conflict has been devastating, with estimates suggesting that hundreds of thousands of individuals, primarily military personnel, have been killed or injured across all factions involved in the war.