Putin Declares Victory Day Ceasefire in Ukraine Conflict
In a gesture honoring the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany, Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a three-day ceasefire in the conflict with Ukraine. The Kremlin announced the temporary truce on Saturday, citing “humanitarian considerations.”
The ceasefire will be in effect from midnight on May 7-8 until midnight on May 10-11, halting all Russian military operations during the Victory Day celebrations, one of Russia’s most revered national holidays.
Kremlin Calls for Ukraine to Respect the Truce
According to the Kremlin statement, Moscow expects Ukraine’s armed forces to also observe the ceasefire.
However, the announcement included a firm warning: if Kiev violates the truce, the Russian military would respond swiftly and decisively.
“The Russian side once again declares its readiness for peace talks without preconditions, aimed at eliminating the root causes of the Ukrainian crisis, and for constructive interaction with international partners,” the Kremlin said.
The message reiterated Russia’s longstanding claim that it remains open to negotiations, provided that talks address the fundamental issues underlying the conflict.
A Pattern of Holiday Ceasefires
This is not the first time Moscow has initiated a holiday ceasefire during the war. In April, Putin declared a truce for Orthodox Easter starting at 6 PM on April 19, lasting through April 20.
Although the Russian Defense Ministry later reported that Ukrainian forces violated the Easter ceasefire thousands of times, it noted that overall military activity along the front lines decreased significantly during the period.
The Victory Day ceasefire, if upheld, could offer a temporary respite in the grinding conflict, which continues to devastate both sides.
Symbolic Importance of Victory Day
Victory Day, celebrated on May 9th, commemorates the Soviet Union’s triumph over Nazi Germany in 1945 and remains a cornerstone of Russia’s national identity.
Putin’s decision to announce a ceasefire during this period highlights both the symbolic weight of the date and Moscow’s effort to cast its current military actions within a historical narrative of resistance against perceived external threats.
Analysts suggest the move also aims to project Russia’s image as a responsible actor willing to de-escalate, while simultaneously reinforcing its broader political messaging at home and abroad.