Putin's Three-Day Ukraine Ceasefire Begins; Ukraine Rejects Truce, Reports 734 Violations and Sumy Strikes

Russian President Vladimir Putin's order for a three-day unilateral ceasefire in Ukraine took effect at midnight on May 8, 2025, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany. The ceasefire is scheduled to last until midnight on May 11 and was announced as a humanitarian gesture to allow Victory Day commemorations in Moscow, attended by over 20 world leaders including China's Xi Jinping and Brazil's Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Ukraine did not agree to the three-day truce, rejected the proposal, and has reiterated its own proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, which President Volodymyr Zelensky stated remains in force. Kyiv has accused Russia of failing to respond to this proposal and of continuing attacks since the truce began. Shortly after the ceasefire took effect, Ukrainian officials reported Russian airstrikes using guided bombs in the Sumy region, including strikes on a residential area in Bilopillia. Ukrainian authorities claim Russia has violated the ceasefire 734 times and launched 63 assault attempts along the front line, while Russia maintains it is adhering to the truce but reserves the right to respond to Ukrainian attacks. The Kremlin has stated that Russian forces will honor the truce for the duration of the holiday period but will respond immediately if attacked. Russia continues to occupy approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory, and both sides accuse each other of violating the ceasefire. Security concerns have been raised for the Victory Day parade, and US Vice President JD Vance has called for direct talks between the parties.