Ukraine has announced a ceasefire from midnight on May 5 to May 6, following a series of attacks by Russian forces on major cities, including Kyiv, Zaporizhzhia, Cherkasy, and Kharkiv. The declaration comes as Russia has proclaimed a truce for May 9, warning of potential retaliatory strikes on Kyiv if the ceasefire is violated.
During the night of May 5, explosions were reported in several Ukrainian cities. In Kyiv, three individuals were injured due to Russian strikes in the Brovary district, which targeted residential areas. Additionally, a fire broke out at an industrial facility in the Vyshhorod district, resulting in one injury.
In Zaporizhzhia, a woman was injured, and a fire ignited in a non-residential building. Kharkiv experienced two missile strikes in the Osnovyansky district, with one hitting an open area and damaging a residential building. The city’s mayor, Ihor Terekhov, confirmed that the second strike impacted a warehouse, causing damage to both the facility and vehicles.
In a statement, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced a ceasefire from May 8 to May 9, coinciding with the observance of Victory Day, which commemorates the Soviet Union’s victory in World War II. The ministry indicated that any violation of this truce by Ukraine would result in a significant missile strike on the Ukrainian capital.
“According to the decision of the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, V.V. Putin, a ceasefire is declared on May 8-9, 2026, in honor of the celebration of the victory of the Soviet people in the Great Patriotic War,” the statement read.
The Russian defense officials referenced comments made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a summit in Yerevan, where he suggested that Russia fears the presence of Ukrainian drones during the May 9 parade in Moscow.
“The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation will take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of the festive events. Should the Kyiv regime attempt to implement its criminal plans to disrupt the celebration of the 81st anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation will respond with a massive missile strike on the center of Kyiv,” the statement warned.
The Russian Ministry of Defense also claimed that it had previously refrained from such actions for humanitarian reasons and advised civilians and foreign diplomats in Kyiv to leave the city promptly.
President Zelensky stated that Ukraine had not received any official proposals for a one-day ceasefire, despite discussions between the United States and Russia regarding such an arrangement.
In related news, a shooting incident occurred near the White House in Washington, D.C. on May 4. The U.S. Secret Service reported that agents encountered an armed suspect who opened fire and attempted to flee, resulting in the suspect being shot and subsequently hospitalized. A bystander was also injured but did not sustain life-threatening injuries.
According to Matthew Quinn, Deputy Director of the Secret Service, the suspect was outside the White House perimeter when agents approached him. Following the gunfire, the suspect was taken to a hospital for treatment.
Prior to the incident, a motorcade carrying Vice President Jay D. Vance passed through the area, but there were no indications that the suspect intended to approach the vice presidential convoy.
Ukraine has declared a ceasefire set to begin on May 5, coinciding with ongoing Russian attacks on several cities. Meanwhile, Russia announced a truce for May 9, threatening retaliatory action if violated.