Vladimir Putin declares a three-day Ukraine ceasefire during Victory Day commemorations.
- Ukraine accuses Moscow of manipulation and demands an immediate, full ceasefire.
- US President Donald Trump pushes for a permanent end to hostilities within his 100-day target.
In a move widely criticized by global leaders, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a unilateral three-day ceasefire in Ukraine set to begin at midnight on May 8 and end at midnight on May 11. While the Kremlin claims the decision is motivated by “humanitarian considerations” linked to World War II Victory Day celebrations, Ukraine and its allies see it as yet another deceptive tactic.
Ukrainian officials swiftly rejected the short-term offer, insisting that Putin immediately accept a U.S.-backed 30-day ceasefire proposal instead. They argued that the Kremlin’s timing – coinciding with Russia’s national celebrations – was designed more for propaganda than peace.
Why Putin’s Deceptive Ukraine Ceasefire Plan Faces Heavy Criticism
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed the announcement as an “attempt at manipulation,” accusing Putin of using the ceasefire as a political tool rather than a genuine step toward peace. Despite Russia’s rhetoric, Zelensky emphasized that real peace cannot be paused and resumed at the convenience of Kremlin ceremonies.
“Russia has consistently rejected all efforts for a durable ceasefire and continues to manipulate the world,” Zelensky posted on X. “Now again, another deceptive Ukraine ceasefire plan aimed at creating a media spectacle for May 9th.”
The Trump administration echoed these concerns. U.S. National Security Council Spokesman Brian Hughes said President Donald Trump remains firm in demanding a permanent ceasefire, not a “temporary show” as Putin proposes. Trump’s frustration has reportedly grown as peace negotiations fail to deliver results within his pledged 100-day window.
Growing Calls to Reject Putin’s Deceptive Ukraine Ceasefire Plan
Ukraine’s top officials, including Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and Zelensky’s chief of staff Andriy Yermak, stressed the need for an unconditional and lasting truce. “If Russia truly wants peace, it must cease fire immediately,” said Sybiha.
Yermak thanked Trump for supporting Ukraine’s stance, reinforcing that a fleeting truce like the deceptive Ukraine ceasefire plan was unacceptable. Kyiv remains committed to a full 30-day ceasefire and urges Moscow to show real willingness rather than symbolic gestures.
The skepticism toward Putin’s ceasefire declaration also stems from recent history. Just days ago, a Kremlin-proclaimed 30-hour Easter truce collapsed after thousands of reported Russian violations, killing over 60 civilians. Trust, therefore, is at an all-time low.
Trump Presses Putin to Abandon Deceptive Ukraine Ceasefire Plan
Over the weekend, Trump made his most pointed comments yet, directly addressing Putin after returning from Pope Francis’ funeral in the Vatican. Speaking to reporters, Trump demanded Putin “stop shooting, sit down, and sign a deal,” expressing hope that peace could still be achieved if Russia abandoned manipulative tactics like the current ceasefire proposal.
According to senior Trump administration officials, this week will be pivotal. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described upcoming negotiations as “critical” to determining whether the United States continues its mediation efforts. Rubio highlighted that although talks have seen “productive exchanges,” a final agreement remains elusive.
With the death toll climbing since the brief Easter ceasefire, pressure is mounting on the Kremlin to move beyond hollow gestures. If Putin is serious about ending the war, global leaders insist, he must show it not through short, politically convenient pauses, but through a genuine and lasting commitment to peace.
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