Russia Declares 72-Hour Ceasefire in Ukraine

In a move coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany, Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced a unilateral 72-hour ceasefire in Ukraine, set to commence on May 8 and conclude on May 10.

April 28, 2025

Ramil Sitdikov, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Pohoto Via AP

However, Ukrainian officials have expressed skepticism regarding the sincerity of Russia's intentions. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha questioned the timing of the ceasefire, stating, "If Russia truly wants peace, it must cease fire immediately."

He emphasized Ukraine's readiness for a "lasting, reliable, and complete ceasefire" rather than a temporary pause.

This announcement follows previous short-term ceasefires declared by Russia, including an Easter truce, which Ukraine claims were violated by continued Russian attacks.

The pattern has led to doubts about the effectiveness and genuineness of such temporary halts in hostilities

Kremlin via AP; Getty Images

After Putin declared the move on Saturday, Ukraine responded by voicing readiness to reciprocate any genuine ceasefire but said the Russian attacks continued. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Russia violated the ceasefire more than 2,900 times.

The Russian Defense Ministry, for its part, listed 4,900 Ukrainian violations of the ceasefire. It charged that Moscow’s forces “strictly observed the ceasefire and remained at previously occupied lines and positions.”

U.S. President Donald Trump has also weighed in, expressing frustration over the lack of progress toward a permanent peace agreement. He has criticized both nations for failing to negotiate effectively and has called for a comprehensive ceasefire to end the ongoing conflict.

As the ceasefire dates approach, the international community watches closely to see if this temporary truce will lead to meaningful steps toward lasting peace or if it will follow the pattern of previous, short-lived ceasefires.