The European Commission has criticised the Kremlin’s so called temporary ceasefire proposal, saying Russia can stop its bombings and killings in Ukraine immediately without waiting for 8 May. The Kremlin had declared a brief halt in hostilities between 8 and 11 May, linking the announcement to commemorations of the end of the Second World War. However, European officials have dismissed the gesture as insincere and unnecessary.
During a press briefing in Brussels on Tuesday, European Commission spokeswoman Anitta Hipper made it clear that Moscow does not need to delay ending its violent assault on Ukraine. “Russia can stop the killings and bombings at any time,” she said. “There is absolutely no need to wait until May 8. They can do it right now, just today.”
Hipper underlined that Russia remains the aggressor in the war and any proposals from the Russian dictator must be judged by action, not words. She noted that Ukraine had already agreed to a ceasefire more than a month ago and continues to show commitment to a fair and lasting peace.
The Kremlin’s announcement came just days after the United States responded to the so called ceasefire offer. The White House, under President Donald Trump, expressed interest in a permanent ceasefire but stopped short of condemning the short term nature of the Russian plan.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded swiftly, saying there is no reason to delay peace until May 8, reinforcing Kyiv’s position that it is Russia who holds the power to stop the war immediately.
The proposed ceasefire, tied symbolically to the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, has been met with scepticism across Europe. Critics argue that such symbolic gestures mean little when civilians continue to die daily under Russian missile strikes and drone attacks.
Observers note that similar announcements in the past by the Kremlin have often been used to reposition forces or regroup rather than offer genuine humanitarian relief. EU officials insist that what is needed is a complete, just and enduring end to the war—not a short pause that serves Russian interests more than peace.
