Putin declares ceasefire for Victory Day celebrations

Moscow

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a three-day ceasefire during the war in Ukraine to celebrate Victory Day next month. The ceasefire will last from midnight on May 7 until midnight on May 10. A Kremlin statement said military actions will stop for humanitarian reasons during the 80th anniversary of Russia's World War II victory.

Russia hopes Ukraine will also follow the ceasefire. However, Russia warned that if Ukraine breaks the ceasefire, they will respond strongly. Russia again said it is ready for peace talks without conditions and hopes to work with international partners.

Big celebrations are planned at Red Square in Moscow. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov spoke to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio by phone, stressing the need for talks to reach a lasting peace in Ukraine. Both sides agreed that building trust for negotiations is very important.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Putin is ready to restart talks with Ukraine. Meanwhile, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has received an invitation to attend the Victory Day events. The Ministry of External Affairs said they will announce their decision soon. Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is also expected to attend the celebrations.

Putin thanks Kim for N.Korean troops

Russian President Vladimir Putin has thanked North Korean leader Kim Jong-un for sending troops to aid Russia’s war in Ukraine, according to Russian media reports. North Korea confirmed its soldiers helped reclaim the Kursk region under a mutual defence treaty. Putin praised the “battle-forged” friendship between the nations. The move drew strong condemnation from South Korea, which called the deployment a serious violation of international law and the UN Charter. Seoul urged both countries to stop their military cooperation, warning it threatens global stability. North Korea claims the action is legitimate under its treaty with Moscow, despite global criticism.