The Russian president said it was to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Russia’s victory over Germany in World War II.
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Monday a three-day ceasefire in Ukraine starting May 8th.
The Kremlin said on the Telegram Channel, “At the orders of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Federation, and by the orders of Vladimir Putin on the Russian side, led by humanitarian motives, will announce a ceasefire to celebrate the 80th anniversary of victory in the Great Patriotic War.”
The truce will continue from midnight on May 8th until midnight on May 11th.
“Military operations will be suspended during this period,” he added.
“Russia believes that the Ukrainian side should follow this example.
“In the event of a ceasefire violation by the Ukrainian side, the military of the Russian Federation will provide a proportionate and efficient response.
“The Russian side is reiterated to participate in peace negotiations without preconditions, with the aim of eliminating the root causes behind the Ukrainian crisis and establishing constructive interactions with international partners.”
Previously, Putin refused to agree to a ceasefire unless Ukraine agreed to the condition that it would suspend its arms supply from the west.
Hours before the announcement, the Russian Ministry of Defense said that one Ukrainian drone had been fired down overnight, but the sirens from the attack erupted throughout Ukraine without reporting the casualties.
The Epoch Times cannot verify the claims of either combatant.
Ukraine, which agreed to a ceasefire earlier this month, has yet to respond to the announcement.
On April 27, US President Donald Trump urged Putin to halt its attacks on Ukraine and accept a ceasefire agreement.
On Sunday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said next week it will be “very important” in determining whether the US will continue its efforts to mediate the deal.
“I think they’re generally closer than they’ve been in the last three years, but they’re not there yet,” he said.
“Like I said, if that doesn’t happen, then we can’t devote our time and resources to this effort.”
The war in Ukraine has been underway since Putin sent thousands of troops in February 2022 for a complete invasion.
The two later accused each other of violating the armistice. Russian troops said on April 21 that they had resumed “special military operations” after the ceasefire ended.
The victory day, known as the victory of Europe (VE) in the United States and Western Europe, will mark the anniversary of the day Admiral Carl Dornitz signed the surrender document on behalf of Nazi Germany on May 8th.
In Russia, and previously in the Soviet Union, it is marked by the military parade in Moscow. This includes veterans, known by the Russians as the Great Patriotic War.
