·
·
World
While the Russian-Ukrainian war continues on military and diplomatic fronts, Moscow and Washington have returned to direct communications via a Russian proposal for a ceasefire during "Victory Day" celebrations, an occasion on which Russia commemorates the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.
Ukraine War.. "Victory Day" truce restores communications between Moscow and Washington
While the Russian-Ukrainian war continues on military and diplomatic fronts, Moscow and Washington have returned to direct communications via a Russian proposal for a ceasefire during "Victory Day" celebrations, an occasion on which Russia commemorates the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.
The move came after a lengthy phone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump in recent hours, lasting about 90 minutes, before the proposed truce became a focus of discussion within European capitals, Kyiv, and Washington.
The Russian initiative was linked to the period of military celebrations Moscow is preparing for in Red Square, where the Kremlin later announced a unilateral ceasefire starting from midnight May 7-8 until midnight May 10-11, with military operations suspended during that period and Ukraine invited to join the truce.
The first details of the proposal emerged through Russian Presidential Aide Yuri Ushakov, who said that Putin offered Trump a temporary ceasefire for the 80th anniversary of Victory, adding that the US President showed clear support for the initiative during the phone call.
The following day, Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson, spoke about the proposal, explaining that the final details of the truce had not been fully settled at that time, and that the final decision was linked to the Russian President's directives, before the official announcement of the ceasefire timings and duration was issued.
In response, Ukraine requested direct clarifications from the United States regarding the nature of the Russian proposal. Zelenskyy said that Kyiv wanted to know whether the initiative concerned several hours of calm to secure the military parade in Moscow, or if it was part of broader arrangements related to the de-escalation path.
