Bangladesh, April 28 -- In a surprising move aimed at projecting Russias willingness to seek peace, President Vladimir Putin announced on April 28 a three-day ceasefire in the war with Ukraine. Scheduled for May 8–10, the ceasefire is intended to coincide with the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Unions victory in World War II-a date of immense historical significance in Russia.

The Kremlin confirmed the ceasefire would cover May 8, May 9-the day Russia holds its annual Victory Day parade-and May 10. It emphasized that “all military actions are suspended for this period” and encouraged Ukraine to reciprocate. In a statement, Moscow declared, “Russia believes that the Ukrainian side should follow this example. In the...