Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a three-day ceasefire in the conflict with Ukraine to honor the 80th anniversary of World War II Victory Day, with the truce set to begin on May 8 and end on May 10. The Kremlin emphasized that all military actions would be suspended during this period and urged Ukraine to reciprocate, warning of an 'adequate and effective response' to any violations. Although Putin has shown agreement in principle to a ceasefire, he has not accepted a complete unconditional truce, and Kyiv has not yet responded to this announcement. Victory Day, a significant secular holiday in Russia, is marked by celebrations and parades that commemorate the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany, and Putin has often used this occasion to draw parallels between Nazi Germany and the current situation in Ukraine. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed cautious optimism about the ongoing peace negotiations, noting progress but acknowledging remaining challenges to securing a comprehensive peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a 72-hour ceasefire in Ukraine, starting on May 8 and ending on May 10, to commemorate Victory Day, a major Russian holiday celebrating the Soviet Union's triumph over Nazi Germany.

The Kremlin's announcement called for a mutual cessation of hostilities, urging Ukraine to follow suit while cautioning that any infractions by Ukraine would prompt a fitting response from Russian forces.

Although there has been a nominal agreement in principle for a ceasefire deal between Russia and Ukraine, Putin has resisted a complete, unconditional ceasefire, and there has been no immediate response from Kyiv to the proposed truce.

Victory Day is a central secular holiday in Russia, featuring festivities and military parades, and Putin has leveraged this event in the past to underscore comparisons between Nazi Germany and his portrayal of the Ukrainian government.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted progress in peace talks between Russia and Ukraine but indicated that the final steps remain challenging, emphasizing the urgency of reaching a resolution to avoid extended resource commitments.