Three-day truce between Russia and Ukraine: Putin’s response to Trump

A new pause in the fighting, 8-10 May, but the White House and Kiev call for a permanent cessation of hostilities

Vladimir Putin has agreed to a new three-day truce, from 8 to 10 May, in response to Donald Trump’s urging, who in recent hours has renewed his appeal to the Russian president to ‘stop shooting, sit down and sign an agreement’ to end the fighting. However, the White House has made it known that Trump’s request is more ambitious, aiming for a ‘permanent Russian-Ukrainian truce’, a goal that is not matched by Moscow’s current responses.

Kiev’s reaction is similar: the Ukrainian foreign minister, Andriy Sybiga, declared that if Russia really wants peace, it should immediately cease fire for a period of 30 days, not just three. Putin’s new truce, the second in a few days after the 30-hour truce during the Easter holidays, includes a window of calm precisely on days when significant events are celebrated. In fact, the truce will also cover 9 May, when Russia will commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazi-fascism, an event of great importance for the Russian Federation. The same day will also be celebrated in Ukraine.

Putin added that Russia also expects Ukraine to respect the truce, but warned that in case of violations, the Russian armed forces will respond ‘appropriately and effectively’. The situation therefore remains volatile, with both sides waiting for developments and new signs of détente.

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(Photo: © AndKronos)