Truce initiated by Russia takes effect – DW – August 5, 2025

A ceasefire announced by Russia began early Thursday, coinciding with Moscow’s World War II Victory Day commemorations.
Following the cessation of hostilities, which started at midnight Moscow time, there were no Russian air attacks on Ukraine, and Ukrainian skies were quiet after a day of bombing. The 72-hour truce is set to continue until midnight Saturday-Sunday.
No immediate confirmation on whether combat operations were suspended on Russian and Ukrainian battlefield.
The ceasefire aligns with military parades in Moscow celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany, with Vladimir Putin hosting Xi Jinping and other foreign heads of state.
Ukraine, which did not agree to the truce, sees it as a ploy by Putin to appear peaceful.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy reaffirmed support for a 30-day armistice proposed by the United States.
“We will not withdraw our proposal, which could offer diplomacy a chance,” Zelenskyy stated in his nightly speech on Wednesday.

Welcome to our live coverage of the ongoing situation as Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine enters a phase with a declared temporary cessation of hostilities.
A three-day truce announced by Russia will take effect starting Thursday morning, leading to a pause in its military actions against Ukraine.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin are scheduled to meet in Moscow for talks.
For the latest updates and analysis on the situation involving Ukraine and Russia, stay with our live blog.