Russia announces a new three-day ceasefire in Ukraine

The Russian government announced on Monday (28) a new three-day ceasefire in Ukraine. The truce will take place on May 8, 9 and 10, coinciding with the 80th anniversary celebrations of Victory Day – the date on which the Soviet Union defeated Nazi Germany.

According to Kremlin, the suspension of hostilities has “humanitarian reasons” and aims to create an environment conducive to historical reflection. However, Vladimir Putin’s government has warned that if Ukraine fails the ceasefire, there will be “proper and effective response” from the Russian Armed Forces.

To date, the Ukrainian government has not officially responded to the announcement, but Kiev’s Foreign Ministry reiterated its appeal for an “immediate and lasting ceasefire.”

Trump anticipates assignment of Crimea by Zelensky

The ceasefire was announced shortly after United States President Donald Trump presses Putin to stop bombing and propose a definitive peace agreement. Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met at the Vatican during Pope Francis’ funeral over the weekend in a gesture of attempted rapprochement after months of diplomatic tensions.

Trump stated that Zelensky “is calmer” and acknowledged that Ukraine fights “a much greater force.” He also stated that Putin needs to “sit down and sign an agreement,” reiterating his promise that he could close the war quickly if negotiations advance.

However, Trump generated controversy by suggesting that Zelensky would be willing to give in to Crimea to Russia – something Kiev has always rejected vehemently. Speaking to the press, Trump claimed, “I think yes,” when asked if the Ukrainian President would accept to give up the peninsula attached by Moscow in 2014.

Crimea remains the main impasse

Crimea and the Ukraine regions occupied by Russia remain the main obstacle to a peace agreement. Ukraine requires the full return of its territories, while Moscow insists that Crimea and areas of Donetsk and Luhansk are already officially part of the Russian Federation.

In an interview with CBS network, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov ruled out any negotiation about Crimea: “Russia does not renegotiate its own territory,” he said categorically.

While Trump seeks to mediate an agreement, Kiev tries to ensure that an eventual ceasefire preserves his territorial integrity. Zelensky himself highlighted after the meeting with Trump who hopes to reach “reliable and lasting peace”, without concessions that can intensify new tensions in the future.

A ceasefire in a climate of distrust

This will be the second ceasefire proposed by Russia in a short time. In the previous one, on the occasion of Easter, the truce was widely ignored on the battlefield, with accusations of violations.

The war in Ukraine already exceeds three years, without clear prospects for a negotiated solution. With about 20% of the Ukrainian territory under Russian occupation, the challenge now is to transform the temporary ceasefire into a first step towards a real peace agreement-something that depends not only on the goodwill of Moscow and Kiev, but also on Washington’s ability to conduct the negotiations, diplomacy that has not been the US president’s forte.