The Kremlin said the cease-fire would run from May 8 to May 11, which coincides with when Russia celebrates the end of World War II. Ukraine's Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha posted to X Monday that "If Russia truly wants peace, it must cease fire immediately," and that a cease-fire can be arranged at any time for any length "so it is real, not just for a parade."
A 30-hour truce was also announced by Russia over Easter, but Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed last week that the Russian army violated that promise "exactly 2,935 times," and that "across the frontline, there were 96 Russian assaults, 1,882 instances of shelling on our positions, including 812 involving heavy weaponry, and over 950 instances of FPV drone use by Russian forces."
Zelensky said Sunday on social media that since Easter, Russia "has resumed its usual assault activity, at the cost of significant losses, the Russians are trying to advance."
U.S. President Donald Trump said via his Truth Social account Saturday that "there was no reason for Putin to be shooting missiles into civilian areas, cities and towns, over the last few days. It makes me think that maybe he doesn't want to stop the war, he's just tapping me along, and has to be dealt with differently," then suggested through "banking" or "secondary sanctions."
Trump has also said that Ukraine may be ready to surrender its claim to the Crimean Peninsula as part of a longer-term truce deal. Russia annexed Crimea in 2014.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Monday during a press conference that Trump is "increasingly frustrated with leaders of both" Russia and Ukraine, and that "he wants to see a permanent cease-fire first," beyond the temporary offer made by Putin.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Monday that international recognition of the "Russian affiliation of Crimea," and the other Ukrainian regions where Russia has annexed territory must be codified before any deal for peace could be set. The demilitarization of Ukraine, the lifting of sanctions against Russia and the return of Russian assets frozen by the West are also conditions Lavrov says are factors in any deal.
Russia launches major drone attack on Ukraine despite 'productive' Vatican City Meeting
Washington DC (UPI) Apr 27, 2025 -
On the heels of a private meeting between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky while attending the funeral for Pope Francis in Vatican City, Moscow attacked Kyiv with 149 drones, Ukraine reported Sunday.
The Ukrainian air force claimed that its forces shot down 57 of the drones, 67 were lost in flight, and that six of the country's regions sustained damage in the attack. This is the latest in a series of back and forth drone volleys between the neighbors. Kyiv said it recorded attempted strikes by 48 missiles and 442 drones launched by Moscow in the past week.
Trump pushed back on Moscow's aggression and called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to stand down, questioning whether he is sincerely interested in an end to the fighting.
Trump wrote on social media that there was "no reason for Putin to be shooting missiles into civilian areas, cities and towns, over the last few days."
"It makes me think that maybe he doesn't want to stop the war, he's just tapping me along, and has to be dealt with differently, through 'Banking' or 'Secondary Sanctions?' Too many people are dying!!!" he continued.
Russia said it downed eight Ukrainian drones overnight into Sunday morning.
White House Communications Director Steven Cheung described the Sunday meeting in Vatican City as a "very productive session" to media traveling with Trump, ABC reported.
Zelensky described the meeting as "good" in a social media post.
"We discussed a lot one on one," Zelensky said. "Hoping for results on everything we covered. Protecting lives of our people. Full and unconditional ceasefire. Reliable and lasting peace that will prevent another war from breaking out. Very symbolic meeting that has potential to become historic, if we achieve joint results."
It was the first time the two leaders have met in person since February, when discussions devolved into threats and finger pointing in Washington after Zelensky warned Trump and Vice-President JD Vance that Russian aggression was an international problem and that the United States would feel the effects of Russian President Vladimir Putin's tactics.
Trump and Vance fired back in what was seen by many as an apparent effort to intimidate and bully Zelensky on the international stage.
Trump said he presented a "final offer" to Moscow and Kyiv last week to end the war. It includes recognizing Crimea as part of Russia and recognition that Russia assumes control areas unoccupied since its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Russia launches major drone attack on Ukraine despite 'productive' Vatican City Meeting
Washington DC (UPI) Apr 27, 2025 -
On the heels of a private meeting between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky while attending the funeral for Pope Francis in Vatican City, Moscow attacked Kyiv with 149 drones, Ukraine reported Sunday.
The Ukrainian air force claimed that its forces shot down 57 of the drones, 67 were lost in flight, and that six of the country's regions sustained damage in the attack. This is the latest in a series of back and forth drone volleys between the neighbors. Kyiv said it recorded attempted strikes by 48 missiles and 442 drones launched by Moscow in the past week.
Trump pushed back on Moscow's aggression and called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to stand down, questioning whether he is sincerely interested in an end to the fighting.
Trump wrote on social media that there was "no reason for Putin to be shooting missiles into civilian areas, cities and towns, over the last few days."
"It makes me think that maybe he doesn't want to stop the war, he's just tapping me along, and has to be dealt with differently, through 'Banking' or 'Secondary Sanctions?' Too many people are dying!!!" he continued.
Russia said it downed eight Ukrainian drones overnight into Sunday morning.
White House Communications Director Steven Cheung described the Sunday meeting in Vatican City as a "very productive session" to media traveling with Trump, ABC reported.
Zelensky described the meeting as "good" in a social media post.
"We discussed a lot one on one," Zelensky said. "Hoping for results on everything we covered. Protecting lives of our people. Full and unconditional ceasefire. Reliable and lasting peace that will prevent another war from breaking out. Very symbolic meeting that has potential to become historic, if we achieve joint results."
It was the first time the two leaders have met in person since February, when discussions devolved into threats and finger pointing in Washington after Zelensky warned Trump and Vice-President JD Vance that Russian aggression was an international problem and that the United States would feel the effects of Russian President Vladimir Putin's tactics.
Trump and Vance fired back in what was seen by many as an apparent effort to intimidate and bully Zelensky on the international stage.
Trump said he presented a "final offer" to Moscow and Kyiv last week to end the war. It includes recognizing Crimea as part of Russia and recognition that Russia assumes control areas unoccupied since its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
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