Putin’s “Victory Day” Ceasefire Takes Effect

A temporary ceasefire announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin to mark Victory Day has officially come into effect, offering a brief pause in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

The Kremlin said the truce, which covers the May 8–10 holiday period, is intended as a gesture of goodwill and a test of Ukraine’s readiness to pursue a peaceful resolution.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that the initiative reflects Moscow’s ongoing efforts to encourage dialogue. “The goal of the Easter truce proposed by Russia, as well as the current initiative to declare a ceasefire during the May holidays, is to assess how ready the Kyiv regime is to find ways to achieve a stable and lasting peace between Russia and Ukraine,” Peskov told Russian media.

The ceasefire coincides with Russia’s Victory Day commemorations, which mark the Soviet Union’s triumph over Nazi Germany in World War II. The holiday holds significant symbolic and political weight in Russia and is frequently used to promote national unity and military pride.

There was no immediate official response from Ukraine regarding the truce. It remains unclear whether the ceasefire will lead to broader diplomatic efforts or simply serve as a brief pause in hostilities.