Putin Declares Three-day Ceasefire After Trump Criticism 

Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a three-day ceasefire next month in the country's war against Ukraine, as President Trump signals a growing impatience with the Russian leader’s reluctance to agree to a deal to end the three-year war.

The Kremlin announced on Monday that Putin had ordered the temporary ceasefire from May 8 through May 11 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany.

“During this period, all military actions are suspended,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement, citing “humanitarian reasons.”

Russia encouraged Ukraine similarly to agree to a ceasefire.

“Russia believes that the Ukrainian side should follow this example,” the statement continued. “In the event of ceasefire violations by the Ukrainian side, the Russian Armed Forces will give an adequate and effective response.”

Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Minister Andrii Sybiha on Monday met the Kremlin’s announcement with skepticism, calling for an immediate and longer truce.

“If Russia truly wants peace, it must cease fire immediately,” Sybiha wrote on X. “Why wait until May 8th? If the fire can be ceased now and since any date for 30 days—so it is real, not just for a parade.”

“Ukraine is ready to support a lasting, durable, and full ceasefire. And this is what we are constantly proposing, for at least 30 days,” he continued.

Monday marks the second time in two weeks that Putin announced a temporary pause in fighting. He previously called for an “Easter truce,” but Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Kremlin’s drones were still flying in Kyiv’s airspace.

Trump and his aides have sought to ramp up pressure on both sides to agree to a peace deal, warning the U.S. might “move on” from efforts to facilitate negotiations if there’s no deal soon.

Trump on Sunday reiterated his frustration with Putin after Russia last week launched its deadliest attack on the city of Kyiv in nine months. The missile and drone strikes killed at least 12 and wounded more than 70, including six children, according to Ukrainian officials.

“I was very disappointed that missiles were flying, [fired] by Russia,” Trump said, later adding he was “surprised and disappointed, very disappointed, that they did the bombing of those places after discussion.”

Asked by reporters Sunday what he wants Putin to do, Trump said, “Well, I want him to stop shooting, sit down and sign a deal.”

The ceasefire announcement also comes days after Trump held what he called a "productive" meeting with Zelensky when both were in Rome for Pope Francis's funeral.