Putin Orders Surprise Three-Day Ceasefire In Ukraine Conflict

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Monday a surprise three-day ceasefire in the current Ukraine conflict, which will take place from May 8 to May 10, 2025.

According to the India Times, the surprising action comes amid weakening diplomatic attempts and long-stalled peace negotiations.

The Kremlin expressed hope that Ukraine will reciprocate the truce, viewing it as a potential opening for direct talks to end the war, which has been raging since early 2022.

In a statement, the Russian government stated that it was prepared to engage in "unconditional" one-on-one peace talks for the first time since the invasion. However, it asked that Kyiv first demonstrate its desire to participate.

Following Russia's globally condemned annexation of four Ukrainian areas, Ukraine has continuously refused to engage in direct discussions with Putin. Despite this, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has underlined his willingness to negotiate if a credible temporary truce is in place.

This latest cease-fire proclamation follows a brief unilateral Easter truce declared by Putin in April 2025. The truce lasted less than 30 hours and was marred by continuous violence and accusations of violations on both sides. Analysts primarily interpreted that decision as a symbolic humanitarian gesture and a public relations attempt rather than a substantive step toward de-escalation.

The May ceasefire is viewed as more significant because of its greater duration and earlier notice, which may have allowed military and humanitarian actors on both sides to prepare.

Nonetheless, deep mutual distrust and a history of broken truces have raised doubts about whether the upcoming ceasefire will hold or significantly reduce hostilities.

Observers warn that while the truce may provide a little respite from hostilities, its success will be heavily dependent on the conduct of both Russian and Ukrainian forces on the ground. Many remain doubtful that the attempt would result in long-term peace until all parties display a genuine willingness to negotiate.