Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared an unexpected three-day ceasefire in Ukraine from May 8-10 when Russia celebrates Victory Day over Nazi Germany in World War II. US President Donald Trump indicated that he finds Putin's three-day pause unsatisfactory, his spokeswoman said on Monday. Follow our liveblog for the latest developments.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday declared a three-day ceasefire in May in the war with Ukraine to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Soviet Union and its allies in World War Two.
The Kremlin said the 72-hour ceasefire would run for three days either side of May 9, when Putin will be hosting international leaders including Chinese President Xi Jinping for lavish celebrations to commemorate victory over Nazi Germany.
"All military actions are suspended for this period. Russia believes that the Ukrainian side should follow this example," it said in a statement.
"In the event of violations by the Ukrainian side, Russia's armed forces will give an adequate and effective response."
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump is seeking a permanent ceasefire in Ukraine, his spokeswoman said Monday, indicating that he did not see Russian leader Vladimir Putin's three-day truce as satisfactory.
"He is increasingly frustrated with leaders of both countries," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters.
"He wants to see a permanent ceasefire. I understand Vladimir Putin, this morning, offered a temporary ceasefire. The president has made it clear he wants to see a permanent ceasefire first to stop the killing, stop the bloodshed."
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(FRANCE 24 with Reuters, AFP and AP)
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