Russia Declares Brief Ukraine Ceasefire Amid War Tensions

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a three-day unilateral ceasefire in Ukraine from May 8 to 11, tied to WWII Victory Day commemorations. Moscow urged Kyiv to follow suit, but Ukrainian leaders rejected the short-term break, insisting on a more substantial 30-day cessation. Tensions escalated after a recent missile strike on Kyiv caused civilian casualties, prompting rare public criticism from US President Donald Trump. Russia also claims North Korean troops are providing assistance in border areas, although Ukraine disputes this. Observers worry the partial ceasefire may do little to halt an entrenched conflict that has raged for more than a year.