Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly announced a three-day ceasefire in Ukraine from May 8 to May 10, citing humanitarian reasons and the commemoration of the end of World War II.
This declaration comes amid increasing pressure from the Trump administration on both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to reach a peace agreement.
Putin’s announcement emphasized that all military operations would halt during this period, with the Kremlin urging Ukraine to follow suit.
The statement warned that any violations of the ceasefire by Ukraine would prompt a proportional response from Russian forces.
Additionally, Russia expressed its readiness to engage in unconditional peace talks to address the underlying causes of the conflict.
President Trump, who met with Zelensky at the Vatican recently, stated that the two nations are “very close” to concluding the war.
He has criticized both leaders, rebuking Putin for recent attacks on Ukrainian civilians and urging Zelensky to finalize a rare earth mineral deal with the U.S. Trump conveyed his concerns on Truth Social, suggesting that Putin might not genuinely seek to end the conflict.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that the upcoming week would be crucial for negotiations, highlighting the need to assess the U.S. involvement in the conflict.
He acknowledged that while there are reasons for optimism, the situation remains delicate.
As the ceasefire approaches, the international community watches closely, hoping for a breakthrough in the protracted conflict that has led to significant loss of life and instability in the region.
The developments suggest a potential shift in dynamics, with calls for renewed diplomacy at the forefront.
[READ MORE: Trump Slams Zelensky After Ukraine Peace Talks Stall]
