Putin proposes truce in Ukraine for May 9; Trump backs it

Moscow.- The Russian President, Vladimir Putin, proposed today in a telephone conversation to his US counterpart, Donald Trump, a truce with Ukraine on the occasion of Victory Day over Nazi Germany, which is celebrated on May 9, the Kremlin reported this Wednesday. "Putin informed his American colleague about his willingness to announce a truce during the Victory Day celebrations (…) Trump actively supported that initiative," Yuri Ushakov, Kremlin advisor on international affairs, told local agencies. The proposal is part of diplomatic efforts to temporarily reduce hostilities in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, amidst a war that has lasted for more than two years and has left thousands of victims and displaced persons. Victory Day is one of the most emblematic dates in Russia, marked by military parades and official events that commemorate the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II.

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Although the initiative has been received with interest, analysts point out that a truce of a symbolic nature might not necessarily translate into sustainable progress towards a lasting peace agreement. For the moment, no details have been offered about Ukraine's possible response or about the mechanisms for monitoring compliance with a possible ceasefire during that day.