Russia Announces Three-Day Truce in Ukraine For Approaching Victory Day Remembrance of World War II
Taking a Break from War: Vladimir Putin Announces 72-Hour 'Peace Parade' Ceasefire in Ukraine
Looks like the war in Ukraine is taking a brief hiatus. Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared a unilateral 72-hour truce starting from May 8, a move motivated by "humanitarian grounds." The proposed ceasefire falls on Victory Day, a major holiday commemorating the defeat of Nazi Germany in 1945.
But here's the catch - the truce only lasts until May 10. Ukraine, which had earlier agreed to a full 30-day ceasefire, views Putin's move as mere window dressing. "If Russia truly wants peace, it needs to put an immediate end to the fighting," Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha bluntly stated.
Ukraine is ready for a "lasting, reliable, and complete ceasefire" for at least 30 days, Sybiha emphasized. Ukraine's position is simple - why wait until May 8? If a genuine, 30-day truce can be enacted from any date, so be it. It remains unclear whether Ukraine will accept the Moscow-proposed truce.
Russia, on the other hand, has expressed optimism about peace talks, declaring its readiness for negotiations without conditions to address the root causes of the Ukrainian crisis and collaborate with international partners constructively.
However, the road to peace remains rocky. Just before the ceasefire announcement, both nations targeted each other with long-range strikes. Moreover, the massive challenges of monitoring a halt to hostilities along the 1,000-kilometer (over 600-mile) line of contact add to the complications.
The clock is ticking on Washington's engagement in efforts to resolve Europe's biggest conflict since World War II. The U.S. needs to make a decision about its continued involvement in this endeavor, as American military aid has been crucial for Ukraine's war effort.
Trump's doubts about Putin's sincerity in pursuing a deal persist, as Russian forces continue striking civilian areas of Ukraine. But on Friday, Trump described a brokered settlement on the war as "close."
The international dimension of the conflict has deepened, with North Korea reportedly sending troops to aid Russia, Iran supplying Shahed drones, and China selling machinery and microelectronics that Russia can use to manufacture weapons. Ukraine, on the other hand, has Western support as its biggest backers.
A key point of leverage for Ukraine could be a deal with the U.S. that grants access to Ukraine's critical mineral wealth. Progress has been made on this front, with both sides agreeing that American aid provided to Kyiv will not be taken into account under the terms of the deal. However, any agreement must comply with Ukraine's Constitution, legislation, and European commitments, and be ratified by Parliament.
The battle for Ukraine rages on, leaving many questioning whether a genuine, lasting peace can be reached anytime soon.
- Allegedly, Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced a 72-hour ceasefire in Ukraine, starting from May 8, citing humanitarian grounds.
- The proposed ceasefire, which falls on Victory Day, is seen by Ukraine as mere window dressing, with a full 30-day ceasefire being desired instead.
- Ukraine's position is that if a genuine, 30-day truce can be enacted from any date, it should be, and it remains unclear whether Ukraine will accept the Moscow-proposed truce.
- The international dimension of the conflict has deepened, with North Korea reportedly sending troops to aid Russia, Iran supplying Shahed drones, and China selling machinery and microelectronics to Russia for weapon manufacturing.
- The U.S., as Ukraine's biggest backers, needs to make a decision about its continued involvement in the resolution of the Ukraine conflict, with American military aid being crucial for Ukraine's war effort.
- A potential point of leverage for Ukraine could be a deal with the U.S. that grants access to Ukraine's critical mineral wealth, progress on which has been made, but any agreement must comply with Ukraine's Constitution, legislation, and European commitments, and be ratified by Parliament.
