Russia Announces Three-Day Truce for 80th Anniversary of Victory Over Nazi Germany
The Red Square in Moscow, Russia. X/ @WorldLogiForum
April 28, 2025 Hour: 9:04 am
The ceasefire will come into effect at midnight between May 7 and 8 and will expire 72 hours later.
On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a three-day truce to mark the 80th anniversary of the Red Army’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, celebrated on May 9.
RELATED:
The ceasefire will come into effect at midnight between May 7 and 8 and will expire 72 hours later at midnight between May 10 and 11. The decision for the truce was made by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Putin, “for humanitarian reasons,” the Kremlin stated.
“Russia believes that Ukraine should follow this example,” Russian authorities said, specifying that if Ukraine violates the truce, “the Russian Armed Forces will deliver an appropriate and effective response.”
“Russia once again expresses its readiness for peace negotiations without preconditions, aimed at eliminating the root causes of the Ukrainian crisis and cooperating constructively with its international partners,” the Kremlin emphasized.
On April 19, Putin had already declared a unilateral truce on the occasion of Orthodox Easter, which Kiev joined shortly afterward. After noting that during those 30 hours military activity was reduced in almost all sectors of the front, Putin expressed his willingness to resume direct negotiations with Kiev.
On May 9, 1945, the Red Army’s victory over Nazi Germany marked the final and decisive end of World War II in Europe. Known in Russia and other former Soviet republics as Victory Day, the date commemorates the unconditional surrender of German forces.
Following intense and bloody battles, Soviet troops captured the German capital after weeks of brutal street fighting in Berlin. Adolf Hitler had committed suicide on April 30, and his successors attempted to negotiate peace; however, the Soviet Union insisted on an unconditional surrender.
Late on May 8, German military representatives signed the surrender document in Berlin in the presence of Soviet, American, British, and French officers. Due to time zone differences, the surrender officially took effect on May 9, Moscow time. The Soviet Union marked the occasion with massive parades, fireworks, and public celebrations, honoring the military sacrifices and heroism that had led to the defeat of fascism.
The human cost for the Red Army was staggering, with millions of soldiers and civilians lost during the conflict, particularly during pivotal battles such as Stalingrad and Kursk, which shifted the momentum of the war in favor of the Allies. The memory of May 9 continues to hold profound political and emotional significance, especially in Russia, where annual commemorations include military parades.
teleSUR/ JF
Source: EFE
