Russia declared a one-sided ceasefire with Ukraine from May 8-9 on Monday, ahead of Moscow’s annual World War II Victory Day celebrations. The country warned Ukraine of a “massive missile strike” on Kyiv if the ceasefire was violated.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy denied he received an official appeal from Russia and announced his own ceasefire in a post on X.
“We believe that human life is far more valuable than any anniversary “celebration”. In this regard, we are announcing a ceasefire regime starting at 00:00 on the night of May 5-6,” he said “In the time left until that moment, it is realistic to ensure that silence takes effect. We will act reciprocally starting from that moment.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly proposed the ceasefire last week, during a phone call with US President Donald Trump.
The Russian Defence Ministry shared in a post on the state-backed messaging app MAX, “In accordance with a decision of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Armed Forces, Vladimir Putin, a ceasefire has been declared from May 8-9, 2026 … We hope that the Ukrainian side will follow suit.”
The post further added, “If the Kyiv regime attempts to implement its criminal plans to disrupt the celebration of the 81st anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, the Russian Armed Forces will launch a retaliatory, massive missile strike on the center of Kyiv. We warn the civilian population of Kyiv and employees of foreign diplomatic missions of the need to leave the city promptly.”
Russia celebrates its victory over the Nazis on May 9 every year. Putin had declared a similar ceasefire in 2025.
Zelenskyy responded to Russia’s post on Monday, saying “It is time for Russian leaders to take real steps to end their war, especially since Russia’s Defense Ministry believes it cannot hold a parade in Moscow without Ukraine’s goodwill.”
