Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday ordered a surprise three-day ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict, set to take place from May 8 to May 10, 2025. This ceasefire announcement was unexpected and comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts and stalled peace negotiations.
The Kremlin has expressed hope that Ukraine will reciprocate the ceasefire during this period, signaling a potential step toward direct negotiations to end the war.
The Russian government stated it is ready to enter "unconditional" one-on-one peace talks for the first time since the conflict began in early 2022, but emphasised that it expects Kyiv to take the initiative to signal willingness for such talks.
Ukraine has, however, ruled out direct talks with Putin after Russia's annexation of four Ukrainian regions.
This three-day ceasefire follows previous brief ceasefires, such as the unilateral Easter truce Putin declared in April 2025, which lasted less than 30 hours and was met with skepticism by Ukraine due to ongoing fighting and violations reported on both sides. That earlier truce was seen by many analysts as a limited humanitarian gesture and a public relations move rather than a genuine step toward peace.
The May ceasefire is significant because it is longer and announced with more advance notice, potentially allowing both sides to prepare. However, given the history of ceasefire violations and mutual distrust, the success of this truce in reducing hostilities and paving the way for peace talks remains uncertain. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has indicated willingness to negotiate but only under conditions that include a temporary ceasefire first.
The Kremlin has expressed hope that Ukraine will reciprocate the ceasefire during this period, signaling a potential step toward direct negotiations to end the war.
The Russian government stated it is ready to enter "unconditional" one-on-one peace talks for the first time since the conflict began in early 2022, but emphasised that it expects Kyiv to take the initiative to signal willingness for such talks.
Ukraine has, however, ruled out direct talks with Putin after Russia's annexation of four Ukrainian regions.
This three-day ceasefire follows previous brief ceasefires, such as the unilateral Easter truce Putin declared in April 2025, which lasted less than 30 hours and was met with skepticism by Ukraine due to ongoing fighting and violations reported on both sides. That earlier truce was seen by many analysts as a limited humanitarian gesture and a public relations move rather than a genuine step toward peace.
The May ceasefire is significant because it is longer and announced with more advance notice, potentially allowing both sides to prepare. However, given the history of ceasefire violations and mutual distrust, the success of this truce in reducing hostilities and paving the way for peace talks remains uncertain. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has indicated willingness to negotiate but only under conditions that include a temporary ceasefire first.
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