By Russian president orders… A three-day truce between Russia and Ukraine begins and Kyiv doubts

A three-day truce between Moscow and Kyiv ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin to mark the anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany came into effect at dawn on Thursday, Russian state media reported.

According to Russian media, “the ceasefire began on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory”.

However, Kyiv didn’t accept this truce, considering it a mere media ploy by the Kremlin, and instead demanded a 30-day ceasefire.

Hours before the unilateral ceasefire took effect, Moscow and Kyiv exchanged a series of airstrikes, closing airports in Russia and killing at least two people in Ukraine.

The Kremlin said that Russian forces would respect Putin’s ceasefire order, but at the same time would respond immediately if Ukraine launched attacks.

Putin proposed a three-day truce to coincide with Russia’s May 9 commemoration, asserting that the initiative aims to test Kyiv’s readiness for peace.

The Russian president declared a brief truce during the Easter holiday in April, which led to a reduction in hostilities, although it wasn’t fully respected by both sides.

In March, Moscow rejected an unconditional 30-day ceasefire proposed by Kyiv and Washington.