Finnish president: Ukraine-Russia ceasefire may begin this weekend

Finnish President Alexander Stubb has stated that a temporary ceasefire in the war between Ukraine and Russia could be reached as soon as this weekend.

President Stubb made the announcement during a media briefing, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

He confirmed that negotiations between Ukraine and Russia’s Western-aligned adversaries are in their final stages. 

The talks are being closely watched by members of the international coalition that has been supporting Ukraine militarily, economically, and diplomatically since the outbreak of full-scale war in 2022. While details of the proposed ceasefire remain confidential, officials have hinted that the agreement would aim to pause hostilities long enough to facilitate humanitarian aid delivery and open the door for broader peace negotiations. 

“If the parties fail to finalise and sign the ceasefire agreement, an emergency virtual summit involving coalition leaders has been scheduled for May 10,” Stubb said. 

The planned video conference will serve as a forum to consider additional punitive measures against Moscow. According to preliminary outlines, the coalition is prepared to escalate sanctions on Russia, with a focus on further isolating its financial institutions and curbing its access to global energy markets. 

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s initiative for a three-day ceasefire, timed to coincide with the 80th anniversary of Victory in World War II, took effect on May 8. The ceasefire, declared on humanitarian grounds, began at midnight between May 7 and 8 and is scheduled to remain in effect until midnight between May 10 and 11. 

According to Putin’s directive, all military operations are to be suspended during this period. The Russian side has expressed hope that Ukraine will follow suit. However, officials warned that any violations of the ceasefire would prompt a proportionate and effective response. On May 3, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected Putin’s proposal for a ceasefire on May 9. Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine could not guarantee the safety of world leaders planning to attend the Victory Day parade in Moscow.

By Naila Huseynova