Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday announced a two-day ceasefire in the war with Ukraine to mark the anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. The Russian Defense Ministry said the pause in fighting would run Friday and Saturday.
While temporary pauses have occurred since Russia launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy did not immediately confirm Kyiv would accept the proposed truce.
Speaking in Yerevan, Armenia, Zelenskyy said U.S. and Russian officials had discussed a ceasefire, but Ukraine had not received a formal proposal to consider.
"This is Russia's war against Ukraine. If America and Russia are negotiating, it is important that our side knows what they are talking about," Zelenskyy said.
A statement attributed to the Russian Defense Ministry warned of consequences for Ukraine and foreign diplomats if Kyiv did not respect the ceasefire. The statement specifically urged the civilian population of Kyiv and staff of foreign diplomatic missions to leave the city in a timely manner if Ukrainian forces were deemed to violate the truce.
Ukrainian authorities have accused Russia of breaking earlier pauses in the fighting. The General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces said Russia violated an Easter ceasefire last month with shelling, while the Russian Defense Ministry has accused Ukrainian forces of similar breaches. Kyiv's Foreign Ministry also said last year that Russia struck Ukrainian energy facilities during a declared ceasefire.
Zelenskyy posted on X that Ukraine would observe a reciprocal ceasefire beginning at midnight on Tuesday.
"It is time for Russian leaders to take real steps to end their war, especially since Russia's Defense Ministry believes it cannot hold a parade in Moscow without Ukraine's goodwill," he wrote.
Victory Day is a major national holiday in Russia marking the end of World War II in Europe. The Soviet Union's human losses in that conflict are estimated at up to about 27 million people.
Context: Temporary ceasefires and local pauses have occurred at different points during the conflict, but both sides have repeatedly accused each other of violating them. Any announced truce will likely be closely monitored for compliance on the ground and by international observers.
