Residents of Ukrainian city share mixed reactions to Putin's three-day ceasefire order: Video

Young recruit of the Ukrainian Armed Forces attends an exercise in Kyiv region

Young recruits of the 28th Knights of the Winter Campaign Separate Mechanised Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces attend a tactical medical exercise, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv region, Ukraine April 4, 2025. Ukraine's Defence Ministry launched a recruitment drive for young people, 18 to 24-year-olds, to serve in the military for a year for the equivalent of about $24,000 and hefty bonuses. REUTERS/Gleb Garanich

Source: REUTERS

Residents of a frontline Ukrainian city, Kramatorsk, have expressed a mix of scepticism, cautious hope, and outright dismissal in response to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent announcement of a three-day ceasefire.

Russia is preparing to hold a military parade on May 9 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Nazi Germany's defeat—an event President Vladimir Putin aims to use as a demonstration of national strength.

Some residents welcomed any temporary lull in fighting as a chance to seek safety, reconnect with family, or access basic supplies.

"Today, at least I slept. The night before last, no. I think today was calmer," Nastya, a resident, told AFP.

Kateryna, on the other hand, shared, "They say we have a ceasefire, like, 'we’re not firing heavy weapons,' but at the crossing zone, everything is the same as it was. They are inconsistent in their actions. It seems that no one is paying attention to this — we are. After the other day, when we had 12 Shahed drones, I even thought about boarding up my windows. Those are the kinds of thoughts I have. I’m not even thinking about a ceasefire."

The order, which is expected to last from May 8 to May 10, is met with suspicion by many Ukrainians who recall previous truces being violated or used as cover for repositioning troops.

For Andriy Yermak, Zelenskiy's chief of staff, "The Kremlin's proposal for a three-day truce is not about peace, but about safely holding the parade in Moscow. This is political manipulation."

Abigail Johnson Boakye