Russia and Ukraine issue competing ceasefire declarations ahead of World War II anniversary
President Vladimir Putin has unilaterally declared a two-day pause in hostilities for May 8 and 9, while President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a separate ceasefire regime commencing earlier in the week.
President Vladimir Putin has unilaterally declared a two-day ceasefire in the ongoing invasion of Ukraine, effective for May 8 and May 9. This decision aligns with the anniversary of the capitulation of Nazi Germany and the end of World War II in Europe. Russia's Defense Ministry stated that the offer was made on the expectation that the Ukrainian side would follow suit.
The Russian Ministry issued a stark warning attached to the offer, stating that Ukraine would face a massive missile attack on the centre of Kyiv if it declined the proposal or chose to attack Moscow's commemorations. The ministry advised the civilian population and foreign diplomatic staff to evacuate the city in a timely manner.
In response, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a separate ceasefire regime starting from 00:00 on the night of May 5 to 6. He stated that Ukraine had received no official appeal from Russia regarding a ceasefire and argued that an earlier start date was necessary to ensure sufficient time for hostilities to cease before the anniversary.
Zelenskyy highlighted that Russia's planned Victory Day parade in Moscow would lack military equipment, suggesting the Russian military is vulnerable to drone attacks and lacks the hardware for a traditional display. He noted that if the Russian Ministry of Defense believes it cannot hold a parade without Ukraine's goodwill, it is time for Russian leaders to take real steps to end the war.
The timing of the Russian offer coincides with the historical significance of May 8, when Germany formally capitulated in Berlin, though Moscow celebrates the end of the Great Patriotic War on May 9. Ukraine has moved its commemoration date to May 8 to align with Western Europe and the United States.
Previous reports indicated that President Putin had floated the idea of a truce during a phone call with US President Donald Trump last week. As of the report, no official agreement has been reached between the two sides, leaving the status of the ceasefire contingent on Ukraine's response to the Russian ultimatum.
