05.05.2026 18:52
Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly declared a ceasefire in Ukraine on May 8-9, on the occasion of Victory Day, which celebrates the former Soviet Union's defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. Ukrainian President Zelensky, meanwhile, announced a ceasefire effective May 6.
In a statement from the Russian Ministry of Defense, it was stated that Putin has decided on a ceasefire in Ukraine.
CEASEFIRE DECISION ON THE ANNIVERSARY OF VICTORY DAY
The statement said, "In accordance with the decision of the Commander-in-Chief, a ceasefire is declared on May 8-9 on the occasion of Victory Day. We hope that the Ukrainian side will adhere to the ceasefire."
The statement, which mentioned Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's threat to attack Moscow on Victory Day on May 9, emphasized that the Russian Armed Forces will take necessary measures to ensure security at events organized for Victory Day.
The statement noted the following: "If the Kyiv administration attempts to carry out its criminal plans, the Russian Armed Forces will respond with a massive missile strike on the center of the capital Kyiv. Despite having all means at its disposal, Russia has previously refrained from such actions for humanitarian reasons. We warn Kyiv residents and employees of foreign diplomatic missions that they should leave the city in a timely manner."
UKRAINE ALSO DECLARES A CEASEFIRE
A statement on the matter also came from Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that they have declared a temporary ceasefire starting from midnight local time on May 6, and requested that Russia also comply with this decision.
In a post on his social media account, Zelensky evaluated Russia's decision to declare a ceasefire in Ukraine on May 8-9 on the occasion of Victory Day, which celebrates the former Soviet Union's defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II.
Zelensky, noting that no official call for a temporary ceasefire has been made to Ukraine so far, assessed, "We believe that human life is incomparably more valuable than the 'celebration' of any anniversary."
Zelensky, who did not comment on when the temporary ceasefire, set to begin on May 6, will end, stated that they will respond if Russia violates the temporary ceasefire.