Russia Declares Ceasefire to Observe WWII Victory as Ukraine Announces Its Own Pause in Fighting

Russia President Vladimir Putin has declared a ceasefire from May 8 to May 9 to commemorate the country’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II and threatened a missile strike on Ukraine if the victory celebrations were disrupted, its defense ministry announced May 4.

“The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation will take all necessary measures to ensure the security of the festive events,” Russia’s notice stated.

The ministry said they interpreted Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s statement made earlier at the European Political Community Summit in Yerevan as a threat to strike Moscow on May 9.

“Should the Kiev regime attempt to carry out its criminal plans aimed at disrupting the celebration of the 81st anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation will launch a retaliatory, massive missile strike on the [center] of Kiev,” the Ministry of Defense stated. “Despite the capabilities at its disposal, Russia has previously refrained from such actions for humanitarian reasons.”

The ministry also warned the citizens of Kiev and the foreign embassy staff to leave the city of Kiev “in a timely matter.”

Zelenskyy responded to the announcement on social media, saying Ukraine had not received an official notice about a ceasefire and challenged Russia to end the war.

“As of today, there has been no official appeal to Ukraine regarding the modality of a cessation of hostilities that is being claimed on Russian social media,” Zelenskyy posted on X. “We believe that human life is far more valuable than any anniversary ‘celebration.’”

The Ukraine leader also declared his own ceasefire that he expects Russia to observe from midnight May 5 through May 6.

“We will act reciprocally starting from that moment,” Zelenskyy said. “It is time for Russian leaders to take real steps to end their war, especially since Russia’s Defense Ministry believes it cannot hold a parade in Moscow without Ukraine’s goodwill.”

Russia is preparing to celebrate its most important secular holiday with a military parade on Moscow’s Red Square.

The Victory Day parade, which showcases Russia’s armed forces, will be scaled down this year over fears of drone strikes, the Russian Defense Ministry said. For the first time since 2007, the event is expected to take place without tanks and other heavy equipment.

Ukraine picked up more financial support on May 4. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney committed $270 million in military support to the country in its fourth year of war against Russia.

The funding will allow Ukraine to buy “critical military capabilities” sourced from NATO’s prioritized list of equipment, according to Carney’s office.