ISTANBUL

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday declared a unilateral ceasefire for three days next week in Ukraine as Moscow is set to mark the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany during World War II.

A statement by the Kremlin said that, based on "humanitarian considerations," Putin ordered a cessation of all military actions in Ukraine from on May 8-10, on the days marking the 80th Victory Day.

“Russia believes that the Ukrainian side should follow this example,” the statement said, adding that Moscow will give “an adequate and effective response” if the ceasefire is violated by Ukraine.

“The Russian side once again declares its readiness for peace talks without preconditions, aimed at eliminating the root causes of the Ukrainian crisis, and constructive interaction with international partners,” it added.

Victory Day is a holiday celebrated in Russia and various former Soviet countries on May 9 in commemoration of Nazi Germany’s surrender during World War II, a conflict Russia officially calls the Great Patriotic War.