Russian Ceasefire Goes into Effect as Zelensky Reaffirms Rejection

A 72-hour ceasefire ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin went into effect at midnight on Wednesday night/Thursday morning. Despite the announcement, the ceasefire is unlikely to bring calm to the front lines, as Ukraine has refused to observe it.

No Russian drone activity was reported following the ceasefire's commencement. However, similar restraint is not expected from Ukraine.

In the week leading up to the ceasefire, Ukraine reportedly launched the largest series of drone attacks inside Russia in the past three years, resulting in 15 deaths and 142 injuries—the highest single-week toll since the conflict began.

President Putin has dismissed calls from Russian lawmakers for a stronger response to the attacks. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated, “All instructions have been given; there are no new elements here,” when asked whether Russia was considering deploying the Oreshnik missile in retaliation.

During the previous ceasefire over Easter weekend, which lasted 30 hours and was only minimally observed, Ukrainian forces launched multiple offensives. Notably, they recaptured a monastery in Russia’s Kursk region just days after it had been retaken by Russian troops.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky repeated his rejection of the 72-hour truce on Wednesday, instead once again stating that he would only accept a 30-day ceasefire.

The current pause in fighting was ordered in observance of the May 9 Victory Day celebrations, which this year mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe. The commemorations are being attended by 29 foreign leaders and dignitaries, several of whom are expected to hold bilateral talks with Putin.

Among them, Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Moscow today for a four-day state visit, while Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro signed a strategic partnership agreement with Putin, further strengthening ties between Moscow and Caracas.