Putin announces temporary ceasefire for WWII anniversary, warns Ukraine against violations

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered the suspension of military operations for humanitarian reasons from midnight on May 8 to midnight on May 11 in honour of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory in the Great Patriotic War, the Kremlin press service announced.

"Based on humanitarian considerations, during the days of the 80th anniversary of Victory - from midnight on May 7-8 to midnight on May 10-11 - the Russian side is declaring a ceasefire," the Kremlin said in a statement, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media sources.

"All military operations will cease for this period," he said.

The Kremlin said that "the Ukrainian side should follow this example." 

The Russian authorities warned that "in the event of ceasefire violations by the Ukrainian side, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation will give an adequate and effective response."

At the same time, "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."

Earlier, Vladimir Putin declared the Easter truce, which was in effect from April 19 to 21. In response, Volodymyr Zelenskyy proposed extending the ceasefire for another 30 days if Russia was truly ready for a format of complete and unconditional silence. Soon, Moscow and Kyiv accused each other of repeatedly failing to observe the Easter truce.

By Khagan Isayev