Putin Orders Surprise 72-Hour Ceasefire in Ukraine for WWII Anniversary Amid Renewed Peace Push

In a surprise move, Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a 72-hour ceasefire in Ukraine to honor the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, and has urged Ukrainian forces to observe the truce as well.

“Based on humanitarian considerations, the Russian side is declaring a truce during the 80th anniversary of Victory Day,” the Kremlin announced Monday. The ceasefire will be in effect from May 8 through May 10, during which, according to the statement, “all hostilities” by Russian forces are to cease. The Kremlin emphasized that it expects Kyiv to “follow this example,” while warning that any violations by Ukraine would meet with “an adequate and effective response.”

This is not the first time Moscow has proposed a temporary halt to fighting. During Easter, a similar 30-hour ceasefire was declared, leading to a partial dip in combat, although both sides accused each other of hundreds of violations.

Putin’s announcement follows increased diplomatic pressure from Washington. US President Donald Trump, who has prioritized brokering an end to the Ukraine conflict, recently called on Putin to "stop shooting" and "sign a deal" to halt the war, now in its third year. Despite intensive negotiations between the US administration and Russian officials, no major concessions have been secured from Moscow so far.

Nevertheless, fighting on the ground remains intense. In the latest overnight exchanges, Ukraine and Russia launched long-range strikes against each other. Russia's Defense Ministry reported that its forces had intercepted and destroyed 119 Ukrainian drones, most over the Bryansk region near the border. Meanwhile, air raid sirens sounded across Ukraine on Monday morning, although no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage were made.

The surprise ceasefire declaration injects a measure of uncertainty into the broader diplomatic efforts, but it also signals that opportunities for humanitarian pauses — and perhaps eventual negotiations — remain open. Whether Ukraine will respond in kind remains unclear, but the moment marks a rare window for reflection and potential de-escalation as the world remembers the devastation of World War II.

The coming days could prove critical in determining whether this truce will be a fleeting pause or the first step toward a broader ceasefire.