Russia announces 3-day ceasefire in Ukraine from May 8-10 amid Trump's peace efforts

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday announced a three-day Ukraine ceasefire from May 8 to May 10, the Kremlin said.

This aligns with Moscow's observance of World War II Victory Day and amped up efforts by U.S. President Donald Trump to broker a peace deal in the war-hit nation.

"Russia believes that the Ukrainian side should follow this example. In the event of violations of the truce by the Ukrainian side, the Russian armed forces will give an adequate and effective response," AFP quoted the Kremlin as saying.

However, it also warned Ukraine that Russia will 'respond' if the truce is breached.

Before the ceasefire was announced, Russia and Ukraine exchanged long-range attacks, raising fresh doubts about whether an agreement to end the three-year conflict is near.

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, its forces intercepted 119 Ukrainian drones overnight, primarily over Russia’s Bryansk border region. In Ukraine, air raid sirens were heard across the country on Monday morning, though there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage.

Efforts led by Trump’s administration to bring a swift end to the fighting are facing critical tests. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Sunday that this week would be "very critical.” He added, "The U.S. needs to make a determination about whether this is an endeavor that we want to continue to be involved in," during an appearance on NBC’s "Meet the Press."

Over the weekend, Trump expressed skepticism about Russian President Vladimir Putin's commitment to a genuine peace agreement, noting continued Russian missile strikes on civilian areas despite ongoing negotiations. However, on Friday, Trump said a settlement to the conflict appeared “close.”