Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced a temporary three-day ceasefire in Ukraine, set to take place from May 8 through May 10. The Kremlin claims the ceasefire is being implemented for humanitarian reasons and to mark the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany.
The Russian government stated that it hopes Ukraine will honor the ceasefire, but warned that any violations would be met with a “proportionate military response.” Skepticism remains high, however, given Russia’s previous patterns of announcing temporary truces only to continue hostilities soon after.
President Donald Trump responded to the announcement by criticizing the limited duration of the ceasefire, calling it inadequate. Trump reiterated his position that temporary pauses are not enough, and that the only acceptable outcome is a full and lasting end to the war.
Trump has been heavily involved in efforts to broker a permanent peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine. His recent meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Vatican underscored his commitment to finding a diplomatic solution that ends the bloodshed and restores stability without dragging the United States into another endless foreign conflict.
Despite these efforts, major obstacles remain. Ukrainian officials have voiced strong doubts about the sincerity of Russia’s ceasefire offer, pointing to a long history of broken promises and ceasefire violations by Moscow. Previous truces have often been used by Russian forces to regroup, reposition, or gain tactical advantage rather than to seriously pursue peace.
Trump has made it clear that he views the current situation as unsustainable and dangerous—not only for Ukraine and Europe, but for the broader stability of the world. He continues to pressure both sides to move beyond symbolic gestures and work toward a formal, enforceable settlement.
The international community is watching closely. European leaders remain divided, with some expressing cautious optimism about any opportunity to lower tensions, while others warn that Putin’s actions may simply be another attempt to buy time and deflect pressure.
As negotiations move forward, Trump’s leadership remains central to efforts aimed at ending the war on terms that prioritize peace, security, and America’s strategic interests. While a three-day ceasefire may offer a momentary pause, Trump and his team are pushing for a permanent resolution—not temporary public relations stunts.