What were the terms of the truce announced by putin for 4 days in May?

russia has proposed a new ceasefire on the front lines during the anniversary of Victory in World War II. According to Moscow, the ceasefire should last several days. Find out what the terms are and how Ukraine has responded.

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In the context of the ongoing war between russia and Ukraine, any attempt to declare a ceasefire attracts considerable interest. One such attempt was russian President Vladimir putin's announcement of a temporary suspension of hostilities in Ukraine. In honor of the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, putin proposed a three-day ceasefire. This move was seen as a humanitarian gesture, but it raised questions about russia's real goals and its willingness to make peace.

May ceasefire in Ukraine: when and what conditions

Russian President Vladimir putin announced a three-day suspension of hostilities in Ukraine from May 7 to 10, in honor of the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. This ceasefire was declared for humanitarian purposes and was initiated by russia. The Kremlin said that from midnight on May 7 to midnight on May 10, all fighting should stop along the entire front line. putin also said that Ukraine should follow russia's example and suspend fire.

How did Zelensky react?

Ukraine's response was not long in coming. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky commented on putin's proposal, noting that if russia really wants peace, the fighting should stop immediately, rather than waiting until May 8. Zelensky emphasized that the ceasefire must be complete, without preconditions, and last for at least 30 days to create conditions for real negotiations. He expressed dissatisfaction with russia's attempts to manipulate the situation by forcing everyone to wait for the end of hostilities solely within the framework of its own celebrations.

Zelensky emphasized that human life is much more valuable than symbolic events such as the Victory Day parade, and that the fighting must be stopped for a longer period, not just for a few days, only to resume later.

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Why does putin want a ceasefire?

The US Institute for the Study of War (ISW) noted in its report that putin most likely declared a truce to avoid possible Ukrainian attacks on Moscow during the celebrations scheduled for May 9, when leaders of the former Soviet Union, Latin America, Asia, and Africa are expected to arrive in the russian capital. putin may fear that Ukrainian forces will take advantage of this moment to strike Moscow and thus overshadow the events commemorating the anniversary of Victory Day.

In addition, the ISW emphasizes that the proposed ceasefire does not include monitoring mechanisms, which opens up opportunities for russian propaganda and accusations against Ukraine of violating the terms of the ceasefire. This could also be used by russia as a chance for its forces to regroup before possible new offensives.

Thus, the ceasefire announced by putin is not so much a real initiative for peace talks as a tactical move aimed at minimizing threats to russia ahead of an important event.

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