Putin Orders 2-Day Ceasefire for Victory Day; Zelensky Proposes Earlier Truce

On May 8 and 9, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a two-day ceasefire in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, aligning it with the anniversary of Russia's World War II victory. The Russian defense ministry indicated that it anticipates Ukraine will adhere to the truce, while Russian troops will safeguard events commemorating the defeat of Nazi Germany. They cautioned that any attempts by Kyiv to disrupt the 81st anniversary celebrations would result in missile strikes on central Kyiv. In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky proposed a fighting pause from the night of May 5 to May 6, noting that Kyiv had not received any formal ceasefire proposals. Additionally, Putin and US President Donald Trump discussed a potential ceasefire in a late April phone conversation, prompting Zelensky to seek clarification from the US regarding this dialogue, emphasizing Ukraine's commitment to a durable ceasefire and peace agreement with security assurances.