Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a surprise 72-hour ceasefire in Ukraine to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, urging Kyiv to reciprocate.


"Based on humanitarian considerations, the Russian side is declaring a truce during the 80th anniversary of Victory Day," the Kremlin announced on Monday. The statement confirmed that from May 8 through May 10, "all hostilities" would be suspended.


"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 deliver an adequate and effective response," the Kremlin added.


A similar, shorter truce was declared during Easter, lasting 30 hours. While both sides reported a temporary reduction in fighting, they also accused each other of hundreds of violations during that period.


Putin’s latest announcement comes amid renewed international pressure to end the conflict. U.S. President Donald Trump recently urged Putin to "stop shooting" and "sign a deal" to bring the three-year war to an end, as the White House continues diplomatic efforts to broker a lasting peace.


However, a White House spokeswoman indicated on Monday that Trump is seeking a permanent ceasefire, suggesting the President does not view Putin’s proposed three-day pause as sufficient progress.


Meanwhile, overnight hostilities continued despite the announcement. Russia’s Defense Ministry reported that its forces intercepted and downed 119 Ukrainian drones, most of them over the Bryansk region near the border with Ukraine.