Putin announces three-day truce from midnight May 8

MOSCOW -- Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday announced a three-day truce starting from midnight May 8 (2100 GMT May 7).

The Kremlin said that Putin had ordered a full cessation of hostilities to mark the 80th anniversary of Russia's Victory Day, which falls on May 9.

Russia called on Ukraine to join the truce, it said, adding that Russian troops would give "adequate and effective response" if Ukraine violates the ceasefire.

The Kremlin noted that Russia "once again declares its readiness for peace talks without preconditions."