Moscow views the suggested three-day truce as a test of Kyiv's willingness for peace, despite its denial of a 30-day ceasefire, according to the Kremlin's statement.
Kremlin's Proposed Ceasefire Met with Skepticism
On May 3, Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, expressed anticipation for Kyiv's response to Moscow's three-day ceasefire proposed from May 7-9. This truce, Peskov claims, would gauge Kyiv's readiness for long-term peace, TASS news agency reported.
This development is a response to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's earlier assertion that Russia's ceasefire proposal was merely a "theatrical performance" intended to relieve Russia's international isolation ahead of Moscow's Victory Day celebrations. According to Zelensky, the ceasefire would merely provide a brief respite, followed by renewed attacks.
Despite repeated calls for a complete cessation of hostilities, Putin's announcement of a "humanitarian truce" from midnight May 8 to midnight May 11 comes amidst rejection of Ukraine's acceptance of the U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire, which was proposed over 50 days ago. Moscow has instead demanded a halt on military aid to Ukraine.
In April, Russia declared a ceasefire during the Easter holiday as a test of Ukraine's sincerity in pursuing peace talks. However, despite the ceasefire, Ukraine accused Moscow of nearly 3,000 violations between April 19 and April 21, and also alleged repeated breaches of a partial truce on attacks against energy facilities brokered on March 25.
The United States, led by President Donald Trump, has been spearheading efforts to broker the proposed 30-day ceasefire. Trump has expressed increasing frustration with Russia, questioning Putin's intentions for peace, given the ongoing attacks on Ukraine. In response, U.S. government officials have prepared a new sanctions package targeting Russia's energy, natural resources, and banking sectors. However, it remains unclear if Trump will approve these sanctions, according to Reuters.
OverviewAs of May 3, 2025, negotiations for a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia remain unresolved, with Ukraine and the United States advocating for a truce while Russia continues to reject or ignore these proposals. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy insists on a 30-day ceasefire, arguing that shorter pauses are insufficient for meaningful diplomacy. Meanwhile, Moscow has proposed brief ceasefires, while maintaining localized offensives, likely seeking tactical pauses or propaganda advantages. The current state of affairs reflects a stalemate in diplomatic efforts, with Russia prioritizing incremental gains and Ukraine demanding internationally backed, monitored ceasefires.
Key Developments- Ukraine's Position: Zelenskyy insists on a 30-day ceasefire, arguing that shorter pauses are insufficient for substantial diplomacy.- Russia's Counter: Moscow has proposed brief ceasefires, while continuing battlefield pressure, likely seeking tactical pauses or propaganda advantages.- Ongoing Conflict: Russian forces continue assaults in eastern Ukraine, undermining prospects for a durable truce.
Peskov, the Kremlin's spokesperson, expressed anticipation for Kyiv's response to Moscow's three-day ceasefire proposal, which is set from May 7-9. This development comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky earlier dismissed Russia's ceasefire proposal as a theatrical performance. The United States, led by President Donald Trump, has been spearheading efforts towards a proposed 30-day ceasefire, yet it remains unclear if the proposed truce will be accepted, given the ongoing war-and-conflicts in Ukraine. In general-news, the negotiations for a ceasefire continue to be met with skepticism, as both Ukraine and Russia advance their respective intentions in politics.
