Putin Declares 72-Hour Ceasefire in May to Mark Victory Day Anniversary

Vladimir Putin has declared there will be a three-day full ceasefire in the war with Ukraine next month to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Soviet Union in the second world war.

- Pjotr Sauer and Luke Harding Kyiv

The Kremlin said the 72-hour ceasefire would run from the start of 8 May to the end of 10 May, and called on Ukraine to join it as well. "All hostilities will be suspended during this period," the Kremlin said. "Russia believes that the Ukrainian side should follow this example."

The Kremlin said that in the event of violations of the ceasefire by the Ukrainian side, Russian armed forces would deliver an "adequate and effective" response.

Ukraine responded to Putin's announcement by calling for a month-long ceasefire. Its foreign secretary, Andrii Sybiha, wrote on social media: "If Russia truly wants peace, it must cease fire immediately. Why wait until May 8th?"

He added: "Ukraine is ready to support a lasting, durable, and full ceasefire. And this is what we are constantly proposing, for at least 30 days."

The White House said Donald Trump wanted "a permanent ceasefire" and that the US president was becoming "increasingly frustrated" with the leaders of Russia and Ukraine.

Putin also said he was ready to engage constructively with international partners to address the "root causes" of the conflict.