Putin Announces Ceasefire as Trump Pressures for End of Ukraine War

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a three-day ceasefire with Ukraine, starting May 8 and ending May 10, in observance of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. According to the Kremlin, the pause in fighting is intended for "humanitarian" reasons though history suggests Putin's "humanitarian" gestures often come with ulterior motives.

This announcement comes at a crucial moment, as former President Donald Trump intensifies efforts to bring an end to the war that has devastated Ukraine for over two years. On Saturday, while attending the funeral of Pope Francis in the Vatican, Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, urging him to finalize a peace deal. Meanwhile, Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, was dispatched to Moscow to pressure Putin directly.

The Kremlin’s statement made it clear:

• Russia expects Ukraine to also adhere to the ceasefire but warned that any violations would be met with “a proportionate and efficient response.”

• Russia reiterated its so-called willingness to enter peace talks without preconditions a line the world has heard before with little sincerity.

• The ceasefire conveniently aligns with Russian propaganda efforts celebrating Soviet victories, further showcasing the regime's manipulative tactics.

Trump, staying true to his America First principles, didn’t mince words on Truth Social, criticizing both Putin and Zelensky for dragging out the conflict. He condemned recent Russian missile strikes on Ukrainian civilian areas, questioning Putin’s true intentions to end the war. Trump even floated the idea of tougher economic measures like “Banking” or “Secondary Sanctions” if Russia continued its bloody games.

This stands in stark contrast to the Biden administration’s ineffective handling of the war, which has poured over $113 billion of taxpayer money into Ukraine with little to show for it. Under Trump’s leadership, diplomacy is happening at the highest levels, and results are finally within reach.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the urgency on Sunday, calling this week “critical” for the future of the negotiations. While he admitted there are reasons for optimism, he also stressed the importance of being realistic about the challenges that remain.

Here’s what’s clear:

• Americans are tired of endless wars that drain our resources.

• Trump’s proactive engagement is putting the U.S. back into a position of respected leadership on the world stage.

• Unlike Biden’s endless blank checks, Trump's approach demands results and accountability.

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