Russia Announces Three-day Unilateral Ceasefire in Ukraine for World War II Event

Addis Ababa, April 28, 2025 (ENA)— Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared a 72-hour unilateral ceasefire in Ukraine to coincide with its most sacrosanct national holiday marking the World War II defeat of Nazi Germany, Victory Day.

Russia also called on Ukraine to agree to the pause, it was learned.

The Russian Armed Forces will cease hostilities on humanitarian grounds from 12:00 on May 8 (9:00 p.m. GMT on May 7) to 12:00 a.m. on May 11 (9:00 p.m. GMT on May 10), the Kremlin press service reported, citing President Putin's decision.

On its part, Ukraine responded that if Russia truly wants peace, it must cease fire immediately for 30 days.

“If Russia truly wants peace, it must cease fire immediately,” Foreign Minister of Ukraine, Andrii Sybiha said.

He reiterated that Ukraine is ready for a “lasting, reliable, and complete ceasefire” for at least 30 full days.

Russia will mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Great Patriotic War, the term it uses for its war with the Third Reich from 1942 to 1945, commonly known as World War II, on May 9.

 

“During this period, all hostilities will cease,” the Kremlin said in a statement. Putin made the decision on “humanitarian grounds”, it added.

The Kremlin statement called on Kyiv to join the ceasefire, but pledged that in the event of any violations by the Ukrainians, Russia’s armed forces would give an “adequate and effective response”.