Russia announced a two-day ceasefire with Ukraine to hold Victory Day celebrations for World War II, while Ukraine also declared a two-day ceasefire but at different times, stating that allowing Russia to celebrate was unreasonable and illogical.
On 4 May 2026, Russia unilaterally declared a ceasefire with Ukraine for 8-9 May, coinciding with Moscow’s annual Victory Day commemorations of World War II. Russia also threatened to carry out a “major missile strike” on Kyiv if Ukraine violated the ceasefire.
In response, Ukraine declared its own ceasefire on 5-6 May, describing it as “unreasonable” to expect Ukraine to observe a ceasefire during Russia’s military holiday.
The latest conflict between Russia and Ukraine comes as U.S.-led diplomatic efforts to end the war have stalled, with Washington shifting its attention to conflicts in the Middle East.
Ukrainian officials reported that Russian attacks caused nine deaths across Ukraine on Monday, while a Ukrainian drone crashed into a high-rise building in an affluent district of Moscow the previous night.
Russia’s Ministry of Defense posted on MAX, a state-supported messaging service, stating, “By decision of President Vladimir Putin, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Armed Forces, a ceasefire is declared from 8-9 May 2026... We hope that the Ukrainian side will comply.”
The statement added, “If the Kyiv government attempts criminal plans to disrupt the 81st anniversary celebrations of the Great Patriotic War victory, the Russian military will launch a major missile attack in response targeting central Kyiv.”
“We urge civilians in Kyiv and foreign diplomatic staff to urgently leave the city,” the statement warned.
Russia holds annual Victory Day celebrations with a large military parade through Red Square.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Monday that a ceasefire to allow Moscow’s celebrations was “illogical,” adding that Russia fears Ukrainian drones “flying over Red Square.”
“To date, no official request has been made to Ukraine regarding a ceasefire format as claimed on Russian social media,” Zelensky said in a post on the X platform.
“In this regard, we announce a ceasefire starting at 00:00 (21:00 GMT) on the night of 5-6 May. During the remaining time before then, it is practically possible to achieve genuine calm.”
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Source:cna