The Russian president said it was to mark the 80th anniversary of Russia’s victory against Germany in World War II.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday announced a three-day cease-fire in Ukraine, starting on May 8.
The Kremlin, on its Telegram channel, said, “By order of the supreme commander-in-chief of the armed forces of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, the Russia side, guided by humanitarian motives, announces a cease-fire for the celebrations of the 80th anniversary of victory in the Great Patriotic War.”
It said the truce would last from midnight Moscow time on May 8 to midnight on May 11.
“Any military operations will be ceased during this period,” it added.
“Russia believes that the Ukrainian side should follow this example.
“In the event of any violations of the cease-fire by the Ukrainian side, the armed forces of the Russian Federation will give a proportionate and efficient response.
“The Russian side reiterates its willingness to enter peace talks without preconditions, with a view to eliminating the root causes behind the Ukraine crisis and establishing constructive interaction with international partners.”
Previously, Putin had refused to agree to a cease-fire unless Ukraine agreed to a condition that it pause arms supplies from the West.
Ukraine responded negatively to the Kremlin’s announcement.
Kyiv’s foreign minister Andrii Sybiha wrote on X: “If Russia truly wants peace, it must cease fire immediately. Why wait until May 8th?
“If the fire can be ceased now and since any date for 30 days—so it is real, not just for a parade. Ukraine is ready to support a lasting, durable, and full ceasefire. And this is what we are constantly proposing, for at least 30 days.”
A few hours before the Kremlin’s announcement, the Russian Defense Ministry said it had shot down 119 Ukrainian drones overnight, while air raid sirens rang out across Ukraine, without reports of casualties.
The Epoch Times is unable to verify the claims of either combatant.
On April 27, U.S. President Donald Trump urged Putin to halt attacks on Ukraine and accept a cease-fire agreement.
