Putin declares temporary ceasefire next month to mark 80th anniversary of Victory Day

Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a three-day ceasefire to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory Day a proposal met with another call from the U.S. for a permanent ceasefire, amid frustration over the lack of progress in peace talks between Moscow and Kyiv.

Lee Seung-jae reports.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday, unilaterally declared that he would hold a three-day ceasefire from May 8th to the 10th, to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory Day.

The announcement was made by the Kremlin via a Telegram message, adding that the ceasefire was "based on humanitarian considerations."

It further explained that all military actions will be prohibited during this 72-hour period, and called on Ukraine to follow the ceasefire protocols.

It warned that if Ukraine violates the ceasefire, the Russian military would respond "appropriately and effectively."

The temporary ceasefire also comes as U.S. President Donald Trump warned on Saturday, that he may consider introducing sanctions against Russia, if Putin doesn't intend to end the war.

However, the White House on Monday stressed that what Trump wants to see is a permanent ceasefire, adding that the U.S. leader has been frustrated with the lack of progress made in peace talks between Moscow and Kyiv.

"He is increasingly frustrated with leaders of both countries. He wants to see a permanent ceasefire. I understand Vladimir Putin this morning offered a temporary ceasefire. The president has made it clear he wants to see a permanent ceasefire -first to stop the killing, stop the bloodshed. And while he remains optimistic, he can strike a deal. He's also being realistic as well."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also criticized the temporary ceasefire on Monday, calling for a "full and unconditional ceasefire for at least 30 days," in order provide "a basis for real diplomacy."

Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.