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Putin Offers Two-Day Ceasefire; Trump, Zelensky Eye Extensions

5/4/2026

37 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

President Vladimir Putin announced a two-day ceasefire for May 8-9, saying Russia will respond if violated.
President Donald Trump said his recent call with Putin could produce a short-term ceasefire for Victory Day.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Kyiv is contacting the United States to clarify the proposal and seeks a longer-term pause.
The Russian Defence Ministry warned civilians and foreign missions to evacuate before any missile response.

History

Historical Context

On 11 November 1918 the Allies and Germany signed an armistice at Compiègne that halted four years of trench warfare; it required German troops to withdraw from occupied France, Belgium and Luxembourg within fifteen days. President Woodrow Wilson helped shape the cease-fire terms, and today Vladimir Putin’s proposed May 8-9 pause echoes that historic cessation.

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Story summary

President Vladimir Putin announced a two-day ceasefire for May 8-9, saying Russia will respond if violated.
President Donald Trump said his recent call with Putin could produce a short-term ceasefire for Victory Day.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Kyiv is contacting the United States to clarify the proposal and seeks a longer-term pause.
The Russian Defence Ministry warned civilians and foreign missions to evacuate before any missile response.

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