The Russian Ministry of Defense has announced a ceasefire scheduled from midnight on May 8 until May 10, claiming that all Russian military units in Ukraine will halt combat operations during this period. The ministry has urged Ukraine to reciprocate this gesture.
According to the statement, from the start of May 8 until May 10, Russian missile and artillery forces will cease attacks along the front lines. The announcement also includes a pledge to refrain from using long-range precision weapons from both sea and air bases, as well as drone strikes targeting Ukrainian Armed Forces and infrastructure associated with Ukraine’s military capabilities.
“We call on the Ukrainian side to follow this example. Should the Ukrainian Armed Forces violate the ceasefire in the area of the special military operation, or attempt strikes on populated areas and facilities in Russian regions, the Russian Armed Forces will respond appropriately,” the statement reads.
Furthermore, the ministry has threatened to launch a massive missile strike on central Kyiv if Ukrainian authorities attempt to disrupt the Victory Day celebrations in Moscow on May 9.
“We once again warn the civilian population of Kyiv and staff of foreign diplomatic missions about the necessity to leave the city in a timely manner,” they added.
In a separate address on May 7, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy advised representatives of countries allied with Russia to avoid attending the military parade in Moscow on May 9.
Earlier, Yuri Ushakov, an aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin, stated that the Russian government had not sent special invitations to foreign leaders for the celebrations, claiming that some foreign officials expressed their own desire to visit Moscow during this festive period.
At the end of April, Putin had mentioned to U.S. President Donald Trump a willingness for a ceasefire on Victory Day, which Trump reportedly supported. On May 4, the Russian Ministry of Defense declared a ceasefire from May 8 to 9, coinciding with Zelenskyy’s announcement of a silence regime from the night of May 5 to 6, emphasizing that Ukrainian forces would respond in kind if Russian troops violated it.
Zelenskyy indicated that since Moscow had disrupted the proposed ceasefire, Ukraine would determine its next steps. On May 6, he remarked that Russia had not halted any of its military activities, asserting that Ukraine would act reciprocally.
Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, called for foreign diplomats to evacuate from Kyiv ahead of potential Russian strikes on decision-making centers if Moscow were attacked during the announced ceasefire.
The Russian Ministry of Defense has declared a ceasefire from May 8 to May 10, urging Ukraine to reciprocate. The announcement comes amid threats of missile strikes on Kyiv if celebrations are disrupted on May 9.