SouthernWorldwide.com – Russia has announced a unilateral ceasefire with Ukraine scheduled for May 8-9, coinciding with Moscow’s annual World War II Victory Day commemorations. The announcement was accompanied by a threat of a “massive missile strike” on Kyiv should Ukraine violate this truce.
In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared his own ceasefire. He stated that he had not received any official communication from Russia regarding their proposed truce.
“We believe that human life is far more valuable than any anniversary ‘celebration’,” Zelenskyy said in a statement. “In this regard, we are announcing a ceasefire regime starting at 00:00 on the night of May 5-6. In the time left until that moment, it is realistic to ensure that silence takes effect. We will act reciprocally starting from that moment.”
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The proposal for this short-term truce was initially put forward by Russian President Vladimir Putin during a recent phone call with President Trump.
“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,” the Russian defense ministry stated on the state-backed messaging app MAX. “We hope that the Ukrainian side will follow suit.”
The ministry further warned, “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.”
May 9 is observed in Russia as the day to celebrate its victory over the Nazis. Due to the time difference, the United States and its European allies commemorate Victory in Europe Day on May 8 each year. This date marks the unconditional surrender of Adolf Hitler’s forces to the Allies in 1945, signaling the end of World War II on the continent.
Last year, Putin also declared a similar ceasefire in Ukraine to mark Victory Day.
Commenting on Russia’s announcement, Zelenskyy remarked, “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.”
