Russia’s Ministry of Defence has declared a ceasefire from May 8 to May 10, asserting that all Russian military units in Ukraine will cease hostilities during this period. The ministry has called on Ukraine to reciprocate, warning of potential consequences should violations occur.
In its statement, the Russian Defence Ministry emphasized that any breaches of the ceasefire by Ukrainian forces would provoke a response, including the possibility of missile strikes on Kyiv if Ukrainian authorities attempt to disrupt the Victory Day celebrations in Moscow on May 9.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has advised representatives from countries with close ties to Russia to avoid attending the May 9 parade in Moscow. He remarked that the Kremlin seeks a ‘permission’ from Ukraine to hold the parade safely, while continuing military actions against Ukraine.
Zelensky expressed concern over statements from Russian officials indicating potential military actions following May 9, describing this logic as ‘strange and certainly inadequate.’ He reiterated his recommendation against attendance during this period.
In a separate development, Iran has accused the United States of attacking an Iranian oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, thereby violating a ceasefire agreement. The U.S. has countered that it targeted sites responsible for attacks on American forces.
The Iranian military spokesperson reported that the tanker, which was en route from Iranian coastal waters to the Strait of Hormuz, was attacked, alongside another vessel near the port of Fujairah in the UAE. The U.S. Central Command stated that American forces acted in self-defense after intercepting unprovoked Iranian attacks while their naval vessels were transiting the area.
U.S. President Donald Trump characterized the strikes against Iran as a ‘light slap,’ asserting that the ceasefire between the two nations remains in effect.
‘The ceasefire is ongoing. It is in place. This is just a light slap,’ Trump stated.
Additionally, President Trump has issued a warning to the European Union, giving it until July 4 to fulfill its obligations under a trade agreement, or face increased tariffs on EU goods, particularly automobiles.
‘I have patiently waited for the EU to fulfill its part of the historic trade agreement we made in Turnberry, Scotland—the largest trade deal in history,’ Trump wrote.
He indicated that if the EU does not comply by the specified date, tariffs on EU products would rise significantly. On May 1, Trump announced plans to increase tariffs on EU automobiles from a previously agreed 15% to 25% due to non-compliance with the terms of the deal established in July 2025.
The agreement stipulated that the EU would eliminate tariffs on American industrial goods and provide duty-free quotas on selected U.S. agricultural products and seafood. However, the legislative process for implementing the agreement has been slow within the European Parliament.
Ursula von der Leyen confirmed on social media that she discussed the trade agreement with Trump, stating that both parties remain committed to its execution and that progress is being made towards reducing tariffs by early July.
‘Both sides are fully committed to its implementation. We are making good progress in reducing tariffs ahead of July,’ she wrote.
Russia has declared a ceasefire coinciding with Victory Day, while Ukraine's president advises against attendance at related events in Moscow. Concurrently, tensions escalate in the Gulf as Iran accuses the U.S. of attacking its oil tanker, and Trump threatens increased tariffs on the EU unless trade commitments are met.