Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered an unexpected 72-hour ceasefire in Ukraine to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and urged Kiev to follow suit.
The Kremlin announced on Monday that Russia announced a truce on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of Victory Day, claiming that “all hostilities” will cease from May 8 to May 10.
Russia believes that the Ukrainian side should follow this example. It added that if the Ukrainian side violates the armistice, the Russian armed forces will respond effectively enough. ”
The Kremlin announced a similar 30-hour truce during Easter, but they accused hundreds of illegal acts despite both sides falling in battle.
Putin’s announcement comes after U.S. President Donald Trump urged him to “stop shooting” and “sign a deal” to end the three-year conflict.
The United States has been working on a lasting ceasefire between Moscow and Kiev, but despite repeated negotiations between his administration and Russian officials, no major offers have been drawn from the Kremlin.
His spokesman said on Monday that Mr. Trump is seeking a permanent ceasefire in Ukraine, which shows that the president has not seen Putin’s three-day pause is satisfying.
Overnight, Ukraine and Russia aimed at each other with long-range strikes. The Russian Defense Ministry said its troops lowered 119 Ukrainian drones, most of which were in Russia’s Bryansk border area.
