During the first week of May, Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed a three-day ceasefire from May 8th to May 10th to mark the 80th anniversary of the Allied victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. Previously, Putin has rejected a 30-day ceasefire backed by the United States and Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy calls on Ukraine’s allies to pressure Putin to put an end to the conflict sooner rather than later. 

During a news conference on May 4th, Zelenskyy told reporters, “We believe that without increased pressure, Russia will not take real practical steps to end the war. Today marks the 54th day that Russia has ignored even the American proposal to completely cease fire.” He added, “We believe that a ceasefire is possible at any moment, even starting today, and should last at least 30 days to give diplomacy a real chance.” Furthermore, Zelenskyy had a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the Vatican during Pope Francis’s funeral to raise the topic of sanctions on Russia. Trump seemingly responded “very strongly” and Zelenskyy also confirmed that plans are underway to produce stronger diplomatic negotiations with the U.S. 

In order to reach a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, both states have to be willing to forgo something. Middle grounded states could conduct diplomatic negotiations between Ukraine and Russia to produce peace talks. There are deep historical ties between the states, and ceasefire goals might take time to curate and perfect to each side’s liking. A mutual compromise and a genuine commitment to ending conflict should be a top priority to produce peace throughout the region. 

The Ukrainian-Russian conflict has been ongoing for more than three years. Both sides have enacted drone warfare and are reaching deeper into each other’s territory. Ukraine launched drone strikes on May 6th that forced the closure of 13 Russian airports, and on the same day, Russian drones targeted three Ukrainian cities: Kharkiv, Sumy, and Odesa. The two states remain deeply rooted in conflict. 

While symbolic gestures like Putin’s proposed three-day ceasefire offer a pause, this falls short of sustained peace for the Ukrainian state. Zelenskyy’s call for greater international pressure on Russia underscores the need for a permanent ceasefire and to strengthen diplomatic negotiations. Both sides are continuing to engage in drone warfare that only heightens the conflict and unnecessary losses and gains.