MOSCOW, Russia — President Vladimir Putin of Russia announced on Monday, April 28, 2025, a three-day ceasefire in the ongoing war with Ukraine, to coincide with celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory in World War Two.
The Kremlin said the 72-hour ceasefire would run from Thursday, May 8, 2025 to Saturday, May 10, 2025, encompassing Russia’s annual Victory Day commemorations on Friday, May 9, 2025, when Putin is expected to host international leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, in Moscow.
“All military actions are suspended for this period. Russia believes that the Ukrainian side should follow this example,” the Kremlin said in a statement, warning that “in the event of violations by the Ukrainian side, Russia’s armed forces will give an adequate and effective response.”
The move appeared aimed at projecting Russia’s continued willingness to seek peace, even as Ukraine and its European allies remain sceptical of Moscow’s intentions.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha dismissed the gesture, posting on X (formerly Twitter): “If Russia truly wants peace, it must cease fire immediately. Why wait until May 8th?”
He added that any ceasefire should be “real, not just for a parade.”
The announcement followed a weekend call between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
The White House said President Donald Trump welcomed the proposed pause but pushed for a more lasting solution.
“While President Trump welcomes Vladimir Putin’s willingness to pause the conflict, the president has been very clear he wants a permanent ceasefire and to bring this conflict to a peaceful resolution,” said Brian Hughes, spokesman for the U.S. National Security Council.
The Kremlin’s latest declaration follows a 30-hour Easter ceasefire earlier this month, which both Moscow and Kyiv accused each other of repeatedly violating.
Putin’s offer comes amid mounting pressure from Washington, where Trump has voiced frustration over what he described as Russia “just tapping me along” and warned that U.S. patience for stalled peace efforts is running thin.
Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
More than three years later, fighting remains intense, particularly in the country’s eastern and southern regions, with tens of thousands of casualties reported on both sides.
