• Putin asserts that there has been no need to deploy nuclear weapons in Ukraine.
• He emphasizes Russia's strength and expresses hope for a "logical conclusion" to the conflict.
• A three-day ceasefire has been declared to mark the Victory Day celebrations.
• Ukrainian President Zelensky doubts Russia's commitment to the ceasefire.
• Ongoing assaults and military actions highlight the fragility of the situation.

In a recent broadcast, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that the necessity to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine has not arisen and expressed his hope that it won't be required. During his remarks, he stated, “We have enough strength and means to bring what was started in 2022 to a logical conclusion with the outcome Russia requires,” according to Reuters and South China Morning Post.

Putin's comments came alongside the announcement of a unilateral ceasefire set to take place from May 8 to May 10, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the Allied victory in World War II. “There has been no need to use those [nuclear] weapons … and I hope they will not be required,” he reiterated, highlighting Russia's perspective on maintaining military strength during ongoing hostilities, as reported by TRT Global and Anadolu Agency.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the ceasefire, stating, “This is not the first challenge, nor are these the first promises made by Russia to cease fire.” He cited recent high levels of military assaults, emphasizing that the conflict is still very much active, according to Al Jazeera.

Military actions continue unabated, with reports of recent assaults, including drone attacks that have resulted in civilian casualties. The ongoing conflict and divergent proposals for a ceasefire underscore the tenuous nature of peace efforts, as detailed by Reuters, Anadolu Agency, and South China Morning Post.