The Kremlin announced Monday that Russia will implement a full ceasefire in Ukraine from May 8 to May 10, coinciding with its celebrations of Victory Day over Nazi Germany. The truce, ordered by President Vladimir Putin for "humanitarian reasons," will begin at midnight on May 8 (2100 GMT, May 7).
This move follows intensified efforts by U.S. President Donald Trump to broker a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine. Until now, Putin had resisted an unconditional ceasefire, tying it to demands that Western arms shipments to Ukraine stop and that Ukraine slow its military mobilization.
On Monday, Ukraine and Russia exchanged long-range attacks, despite the ceasefire announcement. Russia’s Defense Ministry reported intercepting 119 Ukrainian drones, mainly over the Bryansk region. Ukraine activated air raid sirens nationwide, although no casualties or damage were immediately reported.
The U.S. is facing mounting pressure as it attempts to mediate an end to Europe's most significant conflict since WWII, a war that has already cost tens of thousands of lives. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called this week "very critical," suggesting that the U.S. may reconsider its involvement if no progress is made. American military aid has been vital for Ukraine, and its continuation may depend on the outcome of the talks.
Although Trump expressed doubts about Putin’s sincerity, he said over the weekend that a peace deal was "close". European officials, however, accuse Russia of stalling negotiations to gain more territory.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Rubio on Sunday to discuss ways to "solidify emerging conditions" for negotiations, though specifics remain unclear. Russia has rejected a U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire unless certain conditions are metconditions Ukraine has already accepted, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
A French diplomat revealed that Trump, Zelenskyy, and French President Emmanuel Macron agreed to continue working towards securing a durable ceasefire. Ukraine remains firm against ceding any land to Russia, even as Washington hints territorial concessions might be necessary for peace.
Meanwhile, Ukraine is making strides toward a separate agreement with the U.S. to access its valuable mineral resources, with both sides agreeing that previous U.S. aid will not affect the deal’s terms. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal emphasized that any agreement must align with Ukraine’s laws, constitution, and European commitments.
The conflict, which erupted after Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, now has a global dimension, further complicating peace efforts. On Monday, Putin expressed gratitude to North Korea for reportedly sending thousands of troops and to Iran and China for supplying military support, according to Western officials. The U.S. and Europe remain Ukraine’s strongest allies.
Turkish police have detained 357 suspects in a nationwide operation targeting Islamic State, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said on Tuesday, followin...
Due to strong winds in the anchorage area off the coast of Florya in Istanbul, the anchor chain of the Azerbaijan-flagged tanker Kalbajar became entan...
Russian President Vladimir Putin held a meeting on the situation in Ukraine, during which he said Russian forces were making progress on several front...
Latvia has completed construction of its border fence with Russia, marking a major step in strengthening national and EU external border security. Aut...
Syria’s permanent representative to the United Nations, Ibrahim Olabi, said Israel has occupied the Syrian Golan Heights for almost sixty years, and...
Turkish police have detained 357 suspects in a nationwide operation targeting Islamic State, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said on Tuesday, following a deadly clash with suspected militants a day earlier.
The head of Yemen’s Presidential Council, Rashad al-Alimi, has ordered all forces linked to the United Arab Emirates to leave Yemen within 24 hours.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 30th of December, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Russia accused Ukraine of trying to attack President Vladimir Putin’s residence on Monday, an allegation dismissed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a “complete fabrication” amidst sensitive peace negotiations.
Brigitte Bardot, the French actress whose barefoot mambo in And God Created Woman propelled her to international fame and reshaped female sexuality on screen, has died at the age of 91, her foundation said on Sunday.
Roman Abramovich, the Russian billionaire and former Chelsea Football Club owner, has assembled a “top tier” legal team, including a former White House advisor, as he prepares for a legal battle in Jersey.
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on Sunday praised the country’s armed forces as “invincible warriors” during a year-end ceremony honouring the Bolivarian National Armed Forces, held in the coastal city of La Guaira.
Iran successfully launched three satellites on Sunday using a Russian Soyuz rocket from Russia’s Far East, marking the latest stage in growing Iran-Russia space cooperation.
Türkiye on Sunday denied reports that a Turkish Airlines passenger flight diverted from Libya due to fears of retaliation following a Libyan military delegation plane crash near Ankara.
Due to strong winds in the anchorage area off the coast of Florya in Istanbul, the anchor chain of the Azerbaijan-flagged tanker Kalbajar became entangled with the propeller of the nearby Türkiye-flagged tanker Alatepe.
Russian President Vladimir Putin held a meeting on the situation in Ukraine, during which he said Russian forces were making progress on several fronts, according to statements released by the Kremlin.
Latvia has completed construction of its border fence with Russia, marking a major step in strengthening national and EU external border security. Authorities say work will now focus on expanding surveillance technology and additional infrastructure along the eastern border.
The head of Yemen’s Presidential Council, Rashad al-Alimi, has ordered all forces linked to the United Arab Emirates to leave Yemen within 24 hours.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 30th of December, covering the latest developments you need to know.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment