Russia Announces Ceasefire in Ukraine from May 8 to 10 for World War II Victory Day Commemorations

28th April 2025 at 5:47 PM

1 minute read

Russia declares Ukraine ceasefire for Victory Day. Putin's order follows US diplomatic push for peace. — FILE PHOTO: Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs a meeting with members of the Security Council via video link at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia March 7, 2025. Sputnik/Mikhail Metzel/Pool via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY./File Photo

In a major announcement on Monday, the Kremlin confirmed a full ceasefire in Ukraine from May 8 to May 10 to mark Russia’s Victory Day celebrations over Nazi Germany.

The ceasefire is scheduled to commence at 0000 hours on May 8 (2100 GMT, May 7) and continue through May 10. According to the Kremlin, President Vladimir Putin has directed the complete suspension of military operations on “humanitarian grounds” in observance of Victory Day on May 9.

This development follows intensified diplomatic efforts by U.S. President Donald Trump to mediate a peace settlement in Ukraine. Prior to this move, Putin had consistently rejected calls for an unconditional ceasefire, insisting it should be tied to the cessation of Western military aid to Ukraine and Kyiv’s mobilization activities.