Three-day ceasefire in Ukraine that was unilaterally declared by Russian President Vladimir Putin last month was set to come into effect at 5 p.m. ET on Wednesday (midnight Moscow time), as Russia prepares to mark the anniversary of its World War II Victory Day on Friday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s unilateral order for a three-day ceasefire in Ukraine took effect Thursday, timed to coincide with Russia’s Victory Day commemorations. The Kremlin framed the move as a “test” of Kyiv’s willingness for peace,

The Russian President has declared a three-day ceasefire in Ukraine, after his forces spent the past few days bombarding Ukrainian cities and towns with missiles and drones