The Russian Ministry of Defence has declared a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine from midnight on May 8 until May 10, coinciding with the observance of Victory Day on May 9 in Russia.
According to the statement, all Russian military units involved in what the Kremlin terms a “special military operation” will halt combat activities during this period. The announcement specifies that missile strikes, artillery fire, and the use of precision weapons from both naval and aerial platforms will cease, along with drone attacks targeting Ukrainian Armed Forces and infrastructure related to the military-industrial complex within Ukraine.
The ministry has urged Ukraine to reciprocate this gesture, warning that failure to do so will result in an “adequate response.” Additionally, Russian officials have reiterated threats of a significant missile strike on central Kyiv should Ukraine launch an attack on Moscow on May 9.
On May 4, the Russian military announced that President Vladimir Putin had unilaterally decided to implement the ceasefire, although no formal agreement for a truce had been proposed to Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed support for a ceasefire but insists it should not be limited to a few hours merely to facilitate a parade in Moscow. He had previously declared a “silence regime” starting from midnight on May 6, which was reportedly violated shortly thereafter by Russian forces. The Russian government did not respond to Ukraine’s earlier proposal for a ceasefire beginning at the same time.
On May 6, Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, announced that diplomatic missions and international organizations had been notified to ensure the early evacuation of personnel from Kyiv. She also threatened an “inevitable” strike on Kyiv, particularly targeting “decision-making centers,” should there be an attack on Moscow on May 9. However, there have been no reports of foreign diplomatic missions planning to evacuate personnel from Kyiv.
The European Commission has stated that the EU will not withdraw its diplomats from Kyiv despite warnings from Moscow. On May 7, the Kremlin indicated that President Putin is being protected with the same level of security as heads of state around the world, with additional security measures being implemented leading up to May 9, the day Russia commemorates Victory in Europe Day.
Previously, the Russian Ministry of Defence confirmed that the Victory Day parade in Moscow would proceed, albeit in a reduced format without military hardware.
The Russian Ministry of Defence has announced a ceasefire in the conflict with Ukraine from May 8 to May 10, coinciding with Victory Day. The declaration includes a call for Ukraine to reciprocate, alongside threats of retaliation if Kyiv conducts attacks on Moscow during this period.