The Latest on Putin's Three-Day Truce in Ukraine: Will It Stick?
- ~ 2 Min
Russia-Ukraine Ceasefire Commences: Duration of Three Days - Three-day truce initiated by Putin in Ukraine commences
In a surprising move, Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for a three-day truce in Ukraine as of midnight, May 7 (local time), reportedly to honour the 77th anniversary of the surrender of Nazi Germany. This so-called ceasefire runs through May 9.
No Major Drones Attacks Post-Ceasefire
Following the truce, the skies remained quiet – for the moment. Neither Ukrainian nor Russian sides reported any attacks in the early hours, though air alerts whispered throughout the night. However, initial damage reports from possible new drone incursions were not forthcoming.
Meanwhile, early on May 8, the Ukrainian military declared that Russian soldiers had launched air raids in the east of the country near the Sumy region, but there were no immediate reports of harm or fatalities. As yet, neither the ceasefire's status nor its potential breaches have been officially evaluated.
Prior to the ceasefire's initiation, both parties had reported massive drone bombardments, with some rocket and cruise missile attacks as well. According to Russian sources, the attacks caused significant disruptions to civilian aviation. Allegedly, over 60,000 passengers faced delayed or cancelled flights.
Ukraine Views Ceasefire as Political Expediency
Putin's declaration of a 72-hour truce, from May 8 at midnight CEST, to extend through May 10, coincides with Russia's commemoration of Victory Day – the end of World War II. Ukraine, however, has declined to join this temporary ceasefire, advocating instead for a 30-day ceasefire to facilitate in-depth peace discussions.
Over the past year, Ukrainian sources have accused Russian forces of violating numerous prior truces. During a temporary truce announced by Russia during the Easter season, Ukraine revealed hundreds of ceasefire violations by Russian aggressors.
Under President Donald Trump, the United States has sought to mediate a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine since his inauguration in January. However, Putin had rejected a joint U.S.–Ukrainian proposal for an unconditional ceasefire in March.
- Ukraine
- Ceasefire
- Russia
- Vladimir Putin
- Ceasefire
- Kremlin
Additional Insights
On May 8, the Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada ratified a bilateral economic partnership agreement with the United States. Despite ongoing hostilities, the deal is expected to boost economic cooperation and trade between the two nations.
Yet, reports suggest that violations of the ceasefire have occurred on multiple occasions, with Ukrainian sources claiming Russian forces breached various agreements soon after they commenced. The fluidity of the situation and the divergent interpretations of ceasefire breaches indicate that the three-day truce may not hold for its full duration.
- The Commission has also been consulted on the draft budget regarding the ceasefire in Ukraine.
- According to reports, President Vladimir Putin of Russia agreed to a three-day ceasefire in Ukraine, which started on May 7 and ends on May 9.
- The Ukrainian military reportedly views the three-day ceasefire as a political move by Russia, advocating instead for a 30-day ceasefire to facilitate in-depth peace discussions.
- During the three-day ceasefire, there have been reported violations, with Ukrainian sources claiming Russian forces breached various agreements soon after they commenced.
