Jordan Daily – Russia has begun a 72-hour unilateral ceasefire to mark Victory Day, pausing offensive operations from May 8 to midnight on May 10–11, according to state media outlet RT.
The truce, proposed by President Vladimir Putin, is described by the Kremlin as a humanitarian gesture to honor the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany and to open space for peace talks with Ukraine.
“Yes, this is an initiative by the Russian side, by President Putin. It remains in force,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Wednesday, adding that Russia remains committed despite increased Ukrainian drone attacks ahead of the pause.
Ukraine has rejected the ceasefire. President Volodymyr Zelensky called it “an attempt at manipulation,” accusing Moscow of using humanitarian appeals to gain a tactical edge. Ukrainian drone strikes have surged, with Russia claiming to have shot down more than 500 UAVs in a single day.
Russian diplomat Rodion Miroshnik said the strikes have caused a record number of civilian casualties, reporting 15 dead and 142 injured in the past week. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused Zelensky of “classic terrorist behavior.”
Despite domestic calls for retaliation, Peskov said no new military instructions have been issued. “All instructions have been given, there are no new elements here,” he said.
Victory Day, held annually on May 9, is one of Russia’s most important holidays, commemorating the 1945 defeat of Nazi Germany.
