Russia's President, Putin, declares a three-day ceasefire in response to fresh warnings from the US.
In the lead-up to Putin's announcement, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held talks with Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, stressing that this week would be vital in deciding whether the US would continue with its peace efforts.
Putin declared a temporary "ceasefire" for the 80th anniversary of Victory Day, from May 8 to May 10. According to the Kremlin, all combat operations would halt during this period, and they expected Kyiv to issue a similar order. Previously, Putin had also called for a ceasefire during Easter, but accusations of mass violations on both sides resulted in a temporary reduction in fighting at best.
Ukraine, however, has demanded an immediate ceasefire lasting at least 30 days. In a national address, President Zelensky expressed his frustration, stating, "Now there's a new attempt at manipulation: for some reason, everyone has to wait until May 8." He questioned why Russia waited to propose a ceasefire and insisted that if Russia truly wanted peace, it should ceasefire immediately. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga echoed these sentiments on social media.
The White House expressed that US President Trump wants a permanent ceasefire and is growing increasingly frustrated with the leaders of Russia and Ukraine. Following their meeting with Zelensky at Pope Francis's funeral, Trump raised doubts about Putin's sincerity, alleging that Putin was not serious about peace and was merely using truces to regroup forces and bolster his territorial claims.
The conflicting ceasefire proposals, together with fundamental disagreements over negotiation terms, have stalled Russia-Ukraine peace talks. Russia has proposed a 3-day ceasefire coinciding with Victory Day celebrations, while Ukraine and the US advocate for a 30-day ceasefire, which Russia flatly rejects. Russian officials, claiming Ukraine lacks full control over its military, accuse the Ukrainian government of being incapable of enforcing ceasefires. Conversely, Ukraine views Russia’s short-term pauses as disingenuous tactics.
At the heart of the negotiations lies Russia's demand for Ukraine’s non-aligned status, recognition of Russia’s annexation of occupied territories (including partially held regions like Kherson and Zaporizhzhia), and the lifting of international sanctions. Ukraine opposes these terms, deeming them incompatible with their sovereignty.
The US, France, and Russia continue to navigate this complex geopolitical landscape, with each side holding firm to its negotiating position. Tensions remain high, and a permanent resolution seems elusive.
- Emmanuel Macron, the French President, is keenly observing the ongoing war-and-conflicts between Russia and Ukraine, hoping for a lasting peace.
- In the General News section of 2025, the United States and France have expressed concerns about Russia's proposed three-day ceasefire during Victory Day celebrations, advocating instead for a 30-day ceasefire.
- Despite Russia's call for a temporary ceasefire, Ukraine has been adamant about a 30-day pause in hostilities, with President Zelensky noting his frustration towards Russia's manipulation in the timing of its truce proposals.
- Sergei Lavrov, Russia's Foreign Minister, has repeatedly clashed with his American counterpart, Marco Rubio, on the issue of the Ukraine conflict, with both representatives emphasizing the importance of the current political climate in the negotiations.
- The United States, under President Trump, has been pushing for a permanent ceasefire in the Ukraine-Russia war, particularly expressing doubts about Putin's genuine intentions and accusing him of using truces to reposition his forces.
- Amidst the stalled peace talks, Ukraine has been steadfast in its position, refusing to accept Russia's demands for non-alignment, recognition of annexed territories, and the lifting of international sanctions, citing these terms as a threat to its sovereignty.
