Sun May 04 09:32:43 UTC 2025: ## Putin Claims No Need for Nuclear Weapons in Ukraine, Offers 72-Hour Ceasefire
**Kyiv, Ukraine – May 4, 2025** – Amidst ongoing conflict, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a 72-hour unilateral ceasefire in Ukraine, effective from May 8th to 10th, to commemorate Victory Day. The Kremlin cited “humanitarian grounds” for the truce, coinciding with Russia’s annual celebrations marking the defeat of Nazi Germany in 1945. However, this announcement follows a night of intense Russian attacks on Kyiv, resulting in 11 injuries, including two children, according to Ukraine’s State Emergency Service. Ukrainian air force reports indicate Russia launched 165 drones and decoys, with 69 intercepted and another 80 likely disabled. Two ballistic missiles were also launched. Russia’s Defense Ministry countered, stating their air defenses downed 13 Ukrainian drones.
Putin, in a pre-recorded interview, insisted that the use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine has not been necessary and remains unnecessary. He expressed confidence in Russia’s capacity to achieve its objectives in the conflict, stating, “We have enough strength and means to bring what was started in 2022 to a logical conclusion with the outcome Russia requires.” This follows the revision of Russia’s nuclear doctrine in November 2024, lowering the threshold for nuclear use.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has dismissed the proposed ceasefire as a mere attempt to create a favorable atmosphere for Russia’s Victory Day celebrations, reiterating his call for a 30-day truce. He emphasized that a meaningful ceasefire could begin at any time as a step toward ending the war. The conflicting ceasefire proposals highlight the ongoing impasse between the two nations.
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