Putin orders 3-day May ceasefire in Ukraine conflict (FULL STATEMENT)

The proposed truce will last 72 hours, including May 9, the day Russia celebrates the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a 72-hour ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict to coincide with the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany. 

Moscow has emphasized that it is willing to pursue peace talks without preconditions, while cautioning that any ceasefire violations would be met with a response, according to the Kremlin’s statement. 

Putin said the ceasefire was being proposed due to “humanitarian considerations,” and ordered the suspension of all military activity against Ukrainian forces starting from midnight on May 7–8 and lasting until midnight on May 10–11.

Here is the Kremlin’s statement in full:

By order of Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, the Russian side, guided by humanitarian motives, announces a ceasefire for the celebrations of the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War to last from May 8, 00:00 Moscow time to May 11, 00:00 Moscow time. Any military operations will be ceased during this period.

Russia believes that the Ukrainian side should follow this example.

In the event of any violations of the ceasefire by the Ukrainian side, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation will give a proportionate and efficient response.

READ MORE: Ukraine issues ceasefire demand to Russia

The Russian side reiterates its willingness to enter peace talks without preconditions, with a view to eliminating the root causes behind the Ukraine crisis and establishing constructive interaction with international partners.