Putin to set ceasefire dates for Ukraine's Victory Day pause: Kremlin
Synopsis
Putin's offer of a Victory Day ceasefire is symbolically loaded — May 9 is Russia's most sacred national holiday — but structurally thin. No dates are set, Kyiv hasn't responded, and Peskov himself cautioned that one phone call cannot reverse the momentum of a war now in its fourth year.
Key Takeaways
Vladimir Putin will personally set the dates and timings of a proposed ceasefire with Ukraine around Victory Day, 9 May .
Putin signalled ceasefire readiness during a phone call with US President Donald Trump on Wednesday, 30 April ; Trump supported the initiative.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed no new negotiation dates or representative visits have been scheduled.
Kyiv had not formally responded to the proposal as of Thursday.
Russia reaffirmed its claim over Donbas and Novorossiya ; Peskov vowed continued Russian engagement in Mali against extremism.
Russian President Vladimir Putin will personally decide the dates and timings of a ceasefire with Ukraine tied to Victory Day on 9 May, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on Thursday, 30 April. The announcement follows a high-profile phone call between Putin and US President Donald Trump on Wednesday, during which Putin signalled readiness to declare a temporary halt to hostilities for the commemorations.
Background: What Is Victory Day
Victory Day, observed annually on 9 May, marks the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany in 1945 and commemorates the Soviet Union's victory in the Second World War. It remains Russia's most significant national holiday, typically marked by a large military parade in Moscow's Red Square.
The Trump-Putin Call and What Was Agreed
During Wednesday's phone call, Trump expressed support for Putin's ceasefire initiative, according to Russia's state news agency TASS. The two leaders also agreed to continue mediation efforts toward resolving the conflict. However, Peskov confirmed that no dates have been set for new negotiations or visits by authorised representatives. Notably, Putin did not invite Trump to the Victory Day parade on 9 May, according to the report.
Ukraine Yet to Respond
Peskov told media in Moscow that Kyiv had not yet reacted to the ceasefire proposal.
Point of View
No mediator framework, and Ukraine absent from the conversation, this is diplomacy by press release. Peskov's own caveat — that one phone call cannot reverse the world's conflict dynamics — is the most honest line in the entire exchange. The real question is whether Trump's endorsement translates into any pressure on Kyiv to engage, or whether this remains a symbolic pause that changes nothing on the ground.
NationPress
3 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Putin proposing a ceasefire on Victory Day?
Putin announced readiness to declare a ceasefire tied to Victory Day on 9 May, Russia's most significant national holiday marking the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in 1945. The proposal emerged from a phone call with US President Donald Trump on Wednesday, 30 April, with Trump expressing support for the initiative.
Has Ukraine responded to the Victory Day ceasefire proposal?
As of Thursday, 30 April, Ukraine had not formally responded. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told media in Moscow that the Kyiv regime had not yet reacted to the proposal.
What did Trump and Putin agree on during their phone call?
The two leaders agreed to continue mediation efforts toward resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict. However, no dates were set for new negotiations or visits by authorised representatives, and Putin did not invite Trump to the Victory Day parade on 9 May.
What is Russia's position on Donbas and Novorossiya?
Russia considers the Donbas and Novorossiya regions as its own territory, a stance Peskov reiterated on Thursday. Ukraine holds a different view and does not recognise Russian sovereignty over these areas.
What did Russia say about its role in Mali?
Kremlin spokesman Peskov reaffirmed that Russia will continue its engagement in Mali against extremism and terrorism, responding to a statement by the Azawad Liberation Front that Tuareg rebels aim to force Russia out of the country.
