Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a surprise three-day ceasefire in Ukraine from May 8 to 10, the Kremlin said. It coincides with Victory Day celebrations in Moscow marking the end of World War II.

The announcement came after US President Donald Trump called on Putin to "stop shooting" and "sign an agreement" to end the three-year conflict, which the White House is seeking to end through diplomatic means, AFP reported.

The US has been trying to mediate a permanent ceasefire between Moscow and Kiev, but has failed to extract any major concessions from the Kremlin, despite repeated negotiations between his administration and Russian officials.

"Based on humanitarian considerations, the Russian side is declaring a truce during the 80th anniversary of Victory Day," the Kremlin said.

It said that from May 8 to 10, "all military actions" would be suspended.

"Russia believes that the Ukrainian side should follow this example. In case of violation of the truce by the Ukrainian side, the Russian armed forces will respond adequately and effectively," the statement added.

The Kremlin announced a similar 30-hour ceasefire during Easter, but although both sides reported a decline in fighting, they accused each other of hundreds of violations. | BGNES