Russia Announces Ceasefire for May 8–10 to Mark Historic WW2 Anniversary
In a major announcement following the declared liberation of the Kursk region and the acknowledgment of North Korean troop involvement, Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine to coincide with the 80th anniversary celebrations of Victory in World War II.
According to a Kremlin statement relayed by Intel Slava, the ceasefire will begin at midnight on May 7-8 and last until midnight on May 10-11. During this period, all Russian military actions are ordered to cease in what Moscow describes as a “humanitarian gesture.”
“By decision of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, based on humanitarian considerations, a ceasefire will be observed during the days marking the 80th anniversary of the Victory,” the statement read.
Russia Calls on Ukraine to Respect the Ceasefire
The Russian government strongly encouraged Ukraine to reciprocate by honoring the ceasefire, emphasizing that if Ukrainian forces violate the agreement, the Russian military “will provide an adequate and effective response.”
This offer mirrors previous moments during the conflict, such as the Easter ceasefire, when both sides briefly coordinated humanitarian activities like the transfer of fallen soldiers. Footage from those moments captured rare scenes of Russian and Ukrainian soldiers sharing cigarettes and cooperating amidst the battlefield devastation.
Moscow Signals Readiness for Peace Talks
In addition to the ceasefire declaration, Moscow reiterated its willingness to engage in peace talks without preconditions.
“The Russian side once again declares its readiness for peace talks without preconditions, aimed at eliminating the root causes of the Ukrainian crisis, and constructive interaction with international partners,” the Kremlin statement said.
The move comes at a critical juncture. Russia’s latest battlefield victories, the deepening alliance with North Korea, and mounting instability across Europe—including today’s widespread blackouts—have created a volatile and unpredictable environment.
Ceasefire: Gesture of Peace or Strategic Pause?
Analysts are divided over the significance of the ceasefire. Some view it as a genuine humanitarian gesture tied to one of Russia’s most sacred national holidays. Others warn it could be a tactical maneuver, allowing Russian forces to regroup after months of intense fighting.
Whether Ukraine accepts the offer or not remains to be seen. But with both sides digging in deeper than ever, this brief pause—if it holds—could either offer a rare window for diplomacy or set the stage for an even fiercer escalation afterward.