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Russia and Ukraine Announce Separate Ceasefire Windows Ahead of Victory Day

Russia's Defence Ministry announced a two-day ceasefire from May 8 to 9 for Victory Day commemorations, warning of retaliatory strikes if disrupted. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared a separate ceasefire from midnight on May 5 to 6, emphasizing humanitarian concerns. Zelenskyy criticized Moscow's preparations, stating it is time for real steps to end the war. Victory Day in Russia marks the end of World War II, known as the Great Patriotic War.

Key Points: Russia, Ukraine Announce Ceasefire Windows for Victory Day

  • Russia announces May 8-9 ceasefire for Victory Day
  • Ukraine declares separate May 5-6 truce
  • Putin warns of retaliatory strikes if disrupted
  • Zelenskyy criticizes Russian motives
2 min read

Russia, Ukraine announce separate ceasefire windows ahead of May 9 Victory Day commemorations

Russia declares a two-day ceasefire for Victory Day, while Ukraine announces a separate truce. Zelenskyy warns against disrupting commemorations.

"We believe that human life is far more valuable than any anniversary 'celebration'. - Volodymyr Zelenskyy"

Kyiv, May 5

Russia's Defence Ministry said it will observe a two-day ceasefire in Ukraine from May 8 to 9 to mark the 81st anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe, while cautioning that any disruption to Victory Day commemorations by Ukraine would prompt a response.

According to the statement, the decision was taken by President Vladimir Putin, declaring that "a ceasefire is declared on 8-9 May 2026 in honour of the celebration of the Victory of the Soviet people in the Great Patriotic War." Moscow added, "We expect the Ukrainian side to follow this example."

"Should the Kiev regime attempt to carry out its criminal plans aimed at disrupting the celebration of the 81st anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation will launch a retaliatory, massive missile strike on the centre of Kiev," it added.

Also, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a separate ceasefire window Ukraine would initiate a truce from midnight on May 5 to 6.

In a post on X, he said, "As of today, there has been no official appeal to Ukraine regarding the modality of a cessation of hostilities that is being claimed on Russian social media." Emphasising humanitarian concerns, he added, "We believe that human life is far more valuable than any anniversary 'celebration'."

Kyiv declared that it would initiate a ceasefire from midnight on May 5 to 6. "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," he said.

Zelenskyy also took a swipe at Moscow's preparations for Victory Day, stating, "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."

The Victory Day in Russia is celebrated on May 9 in memory of millions of people who lost their lives in the Second World War, known in Russia as the Great Patriotic War.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
Interesting how Russia calls it the 'Great Patriotic War' while the rest of the world knows it as WWII. The ceasefire windows seem like political gestures more than anything else. Zelenskyy's point about human life being more valuable than anniversaries really hits home. War has no winners—just endless suffering. 😞
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Rohit P
Why can't both sides just extend the ceasefire permanently? Two days of silence while thousands are dying every week—what's the point? Feels like a PR stunt for Victory Day. India has always advocated for diplomacy, but this doesn't seem like serious peace talk. 😤
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Kavya N
The irony: Russia calls it a 'humanitarian ceasefire' but then threatens massive missile strikes on Kyiv if things don't go their way. And Ukraine's unilateral ceasefire from May 5-6 seems genuine, but will it hold? As Indians, we know how fragile ceasefires can be—look at Kashmir. Praying for peace. 🕊️
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Siddharth J
Victory Day commemorations are important for Russia, but using them as a shield for a ceasefire is clever politics. Ukraine's response is measured—they're not falling for the trap. But this whole thing reeks of 'ceasefire theatre'. Real peace requires trust, which is completely missing here. My two cents from Bengaluru 🏏
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Meera T
I appreciate Zelenskyy's focus on humanitarian concerns—that's what any decent leader should do. Russia's threat to bomb Kyiv if the parade is disrupted is just barbaric. How can you celebrate 'victory' over fascism while acting like this? My grandfather fought

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