• Putin declared a three-day ceasefire in Ukraine from May 8 to 10 to honor Victory Day.
• Zelenskyy criticized the ceasefire as a manipulative tactic tied to Russia's celebrations.
• Ukraine demands a longer, immediate ceasefire to facilitate genuine negotiations.

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a three-day unilateral ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict, effective from May 8 to 10, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of Victory Day. The Kremlin has stated that this ceasefire is based on "humanitarian considerations" and has called on Ukraine to reciprocate. The announcement emphasizes Russia's readiness for peace talks without preconditions, aimed at addressing the underlying causes of the conflict, according to Channel News Asia and South China Morning Post.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has dismissed the ceasefire proposal as a "manipulation attempt" aimed at providing Russia quiet for its Victory Day parade. Zelenskyy emphasized that any ceasefire should not be temporary, advocating for an immediate, full, and unconditional truce lasting at least 30 days to ensure real peace negotiations could occur, as highlighted by AA and Africanews.

The Kremlin has expressed skepticism about Ukraine's willingness to cooperate, stating it has not received a substantive response regarding the ceasefire. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov remarked that it is "very difficult to understand" Ukraine’s intentions, as they have not accepted the proposed ceasefire, according to Reuters and Al Jazeera.

As pressure mounts, both sides are at an impasse regarding terms for a potential resolution to the conflict. U.S. officials have expressed frustration with the situation. Retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg criticized Russia's ceasefire as "absurd" and reiterated the U.S.'s desire for a more comprehensive ceasefire initiative, which reflects wider geopolitical concerns surrounding the conflict, as reported by The Hill and Al Jazeera.