Vladimir Putin’s surprise 72-hour ceasefire announcement has been met with deep skepticism from Ukrainians who view it as nothing more than a tactical move to ensure Russia’s Victory Day celebrations proceed without disruption.
At a Glance
- Putin announced a three-day ceasefire from May 8-10 coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s WWII victory
- Ukraine’s President Zelensky countered by calling for an immediate 30-day ceasefire instead
- Kyiv residents expressed significant doubt about Russia’s sincerity, citing previous ceasefire violations
- The ceasefire announcement came as North Korean troops were confirmed to be fighting against Ukraine
- The White House has shown growing frustration with both sides and threatened to walk away from peace efforts
Putin’s Surprise Announcement
The Kremlin declared a 72-hour pause in hostilities against Ukraine starting May 8th, marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory in World War II. In the announcement, Putin urged Ukraine to join the temporary truce while warning of an “adequate and effective” response to any violations. This would represent the first full ceasefire since Russia’s full-scale invasion began over three years ago, though its limited duration suggests broader peace efforts remain distant.
Putin expressed willingness to engage with international partners to address what Russia considers the root causes of the conflict – primarily preventing Ukraine from joining NATO and maintaining influence over its domestic politics. Notably, the announcement came shortly after confirmation that North Korean troops are now fighting alongside Russian forces against Ukraine, further complicating the conflict’s dynamics.
Ukraine’s Skeptical Response
President Volodymyr Zelensky responded with skepticism, calling instead for an immediate month-long ceasefire to enable genuine diplomatic engagement. Ukrainian officials noted the timing of Russia’s announcement appeared self-serving, designed primarily to ensure Moscow’s Victory Day parade proceeds without disruption. This reaction reflects the deep mistrust that has developed after previous ceasefire violations by Russian forces.
“For some reason, everyone is supposed to wait for May 8 and only then have a cease fire to ensure calm for Putin during the parade.”, said Volodymyr Zelensky.
Ukraine’s foreign secretary, Andrii Sybiha, joined Zelenskyy in advocating for a full, unconditional 30-day ceasefire – a proposal previously accepted by Ukraine but rejected by Russia. This longer timeframe would potentially allow for substantive diplomacy rather than what many Ukrainians view as a publicity stunt timed to coincide with Russia’s most significant patriotic holiday.
Voices from Kyiv
On the streets of Kyiv, residents expressed profound disbelief about Russia’s intentions. Many pointed to previous ceasefires that were violated almost immediately, including a proposed Easter truce that saw continued Russian missile strikes. Local observers suggested the temporary pause could be used strategically by Russian forces to regroup and reposition rather than as a genuine step toward peace.
This skepticism is rooted in Russia’s continued military actions throughout the conflict, which have included missile strikes on civilian infrastructure even during previously announced humanitarian pauses. The pattern has created an atmosphere where any Russian peace overture is immediately viewed with suspicion rather than hope.
International Reaction
The White House has expressed increasing frustration with the ongoing conflict, calling for a permanent ceasefire rather than temporary measures. President Trump’s administration has shown impatience with both Russian and Ukrainian leadership, threatening to withdraw from peace efforts entirely if meaningful progress isn’t made soon.
“I was very disappointed that missiles were [launched] by Russia. I want [Putin] to stop shooting, sit down and sign a deal.”, President Donald Trump said.
Meanwhile, Russia continues to demand international recognition of its control over Crimea and other occupied Ukrainian territories as preconditions for any lasting peace agreement. These maximalist demands, coupled with the limited nature of the current ceasefire offer, suggest the fundamental differences between Moscow and Kyiv remain as intractable as ever, with little sign of a breakthrough on the horizon.
