Putin Declares Three-Day Ceasefire to Honour WWII Victory Anniversary

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a surprise three-day ceasefire to honour the 80th anniversary of World War II Victory Day, the Kremlin announced Monday.

According to a statement, “The Russian side is declaring a ceasefire during the 80th anniversary of Victory Day, from midnight on May 7-8 to midnight on May 10-11. All combat operations will be suspended during this period.”

Moscow said it expected Ukraine to reciprocate. “Russia believes that the Ukrainian side should follow this example. In the event of violations of the truce by the Ukrainian side, the Russian armed forces will give an adequate and effective response,” the Kremlin warned.

The ceasefire coincides with Moscow’s annual commemoration of its role in defeating Nazi Germany during World War II. Putin had previously ordered a similar Easter truce, though both sides accused each other of repeated violations.

Earlier, Putin praised North Korean troops for their role in Moscow’s war against Ukraine, saying their sacrifices “will never be forgotten.”

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The rare acknowledgment followed North Korea’s first official confirmation that it had deployed troops to support Russian forces.

Putin, in a statement, commended the North Korean fighters who “defended our Motherland as their own,” describing them as standing “shoulder to shoulder with Russian fighters.”