Putin Announces Surprise Ukraine Truce for May 8-10

In response, Kyiv says it wants immediate truce with Russia for 'at least 30 days'

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MOSCOW - Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a surprise three-day ceasefire from May 8 to 10, coinciding with Moscow's World War II Victory Day commemorations, the Kremlin said on April 28.

Ukraine responded by saying it wants an immediate truce with Russia for "at least 30 days".

"If Russia truly wants peace, it must cease fire immediately. Why wait until May 8?" Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga wrote on X.

Weighing in, US President Donald Trump said what he is seeking is a permanent ceasefire in Ukraine.

"He is increasingly frustrated with leaders of both countries," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters.

"He wants to see a permanent ceasefire. I understand Vladimir Putin this morning offered a temporary ceasefire. The President has made it clear he wants to see a permanent ceasefire first to stop the killing, stop the bloodshed," she said.

Mr Putin made a similar order to stop combat over Easter - a truce that both sides accused the other of violating hundreds of times, but did lead to a temporary reduction in fighting.

"The Russian side is declaring a ceasefire during the 80th anniversary of Victory Day, from midnight on May 7-8 to midnight on May 10-11. All combat operations will be suspended during this period," the Kremlin said in a statement.