In a surprising move aimed at both humanitarian outreach and the potential resumption of peace talks, Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a unilateral 72-hour ceasefire, beginning on Thursday, May 8. The pause in military operations is scheduled to last through midnight on May 10–11, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s historic victory over Nazi Germany. Despite a surge in Ukrainian drone attacks in the hours leading up to the truce, Moscow has pledged to uphold its commitment.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed on May 7 that the ceasefire remains in effect. “Yes, this is an initiative by the Russian side, by President Putin. It remains in force,” Peskov stated, emphasizing Russia’s dedication to honoring the truce even in the face of recent provocations. According to the Kremlin, the temporary halt in hostilities is both a humanitarian gesture and an opportunity to open direct peace negotiations with Ukraine – critically, without preconditions.

However, the Ukrainian response has been one of deep skepticism and outright rejection. Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has dismissed the ceasefire as a “manipulative maneuver,” accusing Russia of using humanitarian language to gain a tactical military advantage. In his remarks, Zelensky insisted that any cessation of fighting must be negotiated on Ukraine’s terms and accompanied by meaningful concessions from Moscow.

Tensions have risen sharply in recent days, fueled by an intensification of Ukrainian drone operations targeting Russian cities and infrastructure. Rodion Miroshnik, a senior Russian diplomat,........

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