President Putin Announces Ceasefire For Next Three Days, Will Respond Firmly To Violations

JAKARTA - Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday announced a temporary ceasefire in the war with Ukraine next month, following the commemoration of the 80 wins of the Soviet Union and the Allies in World War II.

The Kremlin said the 72-hour ceasefire would last from May 8 to May 10.

"All military actions were suspended during this period. Russia believes that the Ukrainian side should follow this example," the Kremlin said in a statement.

"If there is a violation by the Ukrainian side, the Russian armed forces will provide an adequate and effective response," the statement warned.

There has been no immediate response from Kyiv to the unilateral ceasefire announcement - a second announcement by President Putin in succession, after a 30-hour Easter ceasefire in which each side accused the other of violating multiple times.

With the backdrop of the United States' increasing unpreparedness, the two moves appear to be directed by Kremlin Leaders to signal to US President Donald Trump that Russia is still interested in peace.

On the other hand, Ukraine and its European allies say they don't believe this.

The latest announcement comes after President Trump criticized President Putin for the deadly Russian attack on Kyiv last week.

Washington itself is known to have repeatedly threatened to abandon peace efforts unless there was real progress.