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.
Israeli forces have maintained a tight closure on Hebron in the occupied West Bank for a second day, with Palestinian media reporting home raids, m...
Around 11,000 people joined a demonstration in Orléans on Saturday against the National Rally congress, according to the local prefecture....
German police have detained a suspect after a major fire broke out at the historic Kehlsteinhaus, known as the “Eagle’s Nest&rdqu...
Israeli military bulldozers have begun demolishing buildings in the West Bank city of Hebron on Friday, 23 October, following armed clashes with Palestinians that left two Israeli soldiers dead, according to the Israeli military.
Around 11,000 people joined a demonstration in Orléans on Saturday against the National Rally congress, according to the local prefecture.
Typhoon Champi swept past Taiwan on Saturday, leaving one person dead and more than 500 injured as strong winds and torrential rain brought down trees, cut power and disrupted transport across the island.
A powerful magnitude 7 earthquake has struck Tibet in southwestern China, killing 16 people and injuring 65, while forcing more than 12,000 residents to relocate as rescue teams respond to widespread aftershocks.
French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday described a deadly shooting in the towns of Trappes and La Verrière, west of Paris, as a racist attack and ‘a turning point’ for the country.
Around 11,000 people joined a demonstration in Orléans on Saturday against the National Rally congress, according to the local prefecture.
German police have detained a suspect after a major fire broke out at the historic Kehlsteinhaus, known as the “Eagle’s Nest”, a mountain retreat once used by senior Nazi officials, including Adolf Hitler.
Typhoon Champi swept past Taiwan on Saturday, leaving one person dead and more than 500 injured as strong winds and torrential rain brought down trees, cut power and disrupted transport across the island.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Friday dismissed accusations that Canada planned to interfere in next month’s U.S. midterm elections, saying he was disappointed by comments from the American ambassador.
Kenya has recorded a second death from Ebola, the health ministry said late on Friday, as the outbreak that began in the Democratic Republic of Congo continues to spread across Africa.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment