Putin Announces Temporary Ceasefire After Trump Suggests Ukraine is Prepared to Relinquish Territory

What Happened?

Russian President, Vladimir Putin, announced a temporary ceasefire, Monday, after President Donald Trump said he believed Ukraine was prepared to give up highly sought territory.

Trump said on Truth Social, after arriving in Rome, that Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy would forfeit his claim to the Crimean Peninsula as part of a longer-term truce deal.

'A good day in talks and meetings with Russia and Ukraine. They are very close to a deal, and the two sides should now meet, at very high levels, to finish it off,' Trump stated.

Most of the major points Trump said are agreed to.

He added, 'Stop the bloodshed, NOW. We will be wherever is necessary to help facilitate the END to this cruel and senseless war!'

The Kremlin reportedly informed the media that the ceasefire would begin at midnight local time on May 8 and end at midnight on May 11.

It coincides with the 80th anniversary of 'Victory Day,' when Russia celebrates its victory over the Nazis.

According to NBC News, the note stated that all military action would be suspended during this period and that 'the Ukrainian side should follow this example.'

Any actions in defiance of a ceasefire would be met with a response, the Kremlin added.

Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Minister, Andrii Sybiha, took to social media in response to the announcement.

'If Russia truly wants peace, it must cease fire immediately,' Sybiha said. 'Why wait until May 8th? If the fire can be ceased now and since any date for 30 days—so it is real, not just for a parade.'

Sybiha added that Ukraine has constantly proposed support of at least 30 days.

But more importantly, 'Ukraine is ready to support a lasting, durable, and full ceasefire,' he said.

Why it Matters

Peace efforts between Ukraine and Russia have recently taken a turn, following a series of overnight strikes that killed at least 12 people and left 90 injured.

A total of 70 missiles and 145 drones were sent from Moscow striking 13 Ukraine locations, including residential buildings and civilian infrastructure.

Zelensky believed it was aimed at pressuring the U.S.

Trump expressed his frustrations toward Putin following the incident and described the attack as 'very bad timing.'

He pointed to the 5,000 soldiers a week reportedly dying as a focus to get a peace deal done.

The Kremlin confirmed its actions, claiming the Russian 'military continues to fulfill its tasks' to strike 'military and near-military targets.'

Zelensky said that Ukraine would be able to make their positions closer if more pressure was applied to Russia.

How it Affects You

Russia is now making a renewed effort to end its war in Kyiv.

Trump has been critical of both leaders after lashing out against Zelenskyy over remarks that 'Ukraine will not legally recognize the occupation of Crimea.'

Russia illegally annexed the territory in 2014, according to reports.

The Trump administration had previously warned that it would walk away from peace talks if no progress is made.

If Zelenskyy agrees, it will mark a major shift in Ukraine’s stance.

Both sides anxiously await each other's position to determine their next moves.