Russia has declared a 72-hour unilateral ceasefire in Ukraine from midnight May 7–8 to midnight May 10–11, to coincide with Victory Day on May 9—its most revered national holiday marking the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. The Kremlin called on Ukraine to join the ceasefire, stating the move was made on “humanitarian grounds”.
However, Ukraine swiftly rejected the proposal, denouncing it as political theatrics rather than a genuine peace gesture. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha responded:
“If Russia truly wants peace, it must cease fire immediately… not for three days, not for a parade, but for at least 30 full days.”
President Volodymyr Zelensky echoed this view in his evening address, calling the Russian offer a manipulation, stating:
“Now there’s a new attempt at manipulation: for some reason, everyone has to wait until May 8.”
Zelensky stressed that any ceasefire must be comprehensive and lasting, not a symbolic pause linked to Moscow’s domestic agenda. He implied that a short pause, especially one conditioned on a specific date and tied to national celebrations, lacks sincerity and strategic value.
Ukraine’s Military: Ceasefire Proposal is “Infuriating”
On the ground, the reaction was even more critical. Reporting from Kyiv, Al Jazeera’s Zein Basravi noted that Ukrainian soldiers and military spokespeople view the proposal as infuriating and insane, suggesting it could be a ploy to regroup or reposition Russian forces under the guise of a temporary truce.
The announcement comes amid renewed U.S. pressure on Russia for a broader ceasefire, as the conflict enters a prolonged and brutal phase. Russian President Vladimir Putin framed the ceasefire as a show of strength and morality, meant to honor the 80th anniversary of the end of the Great Patriotic War (Russia’s term for World War II from 1942–1945).
The Kremlin warned that if Ukraine does not honor the ceasefire and initiates attacks during the period, Russian forces will respond “adequately and effectively.”
Despite the offer, the sharp divergence in interpretations between the two sides signals little hope for an immediate de-escalation. Kyiv continues to press for a lasting ceasefire and withdrawal of Russian troops, while Moscow appears focused on preserving optics for its domestic audience during a key historical anniversary.
