The Russian Defense Ministry today announced a unilateral ceasefire in Ukraine on Friday and Saturday, on the occasion of celebrations of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in 1945.
“In accordance with a decision of the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, [o Presidente] Vladimir Putin, a ceasefire has been decreed from May 8 to 9, 2026”, indicated the Ministry in a message published on MAX, a messaging application supported by the Russian State.
Russia also threatened to launch a “massive missile attack” against Kiev if Ukraine violates the ceasefire.
“If the Kiev regime tries to carry out criminal plans aimed at disrupting the celebrations of the 81st anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, the Russian armed forces will launch a massive retaliatory missile attack on the center of Kiev,” according to the message released.
A was discussed during a phone call last week between Putin and his US counterpart, Donald Trump.
The Russian authorities added, in the same note, that Moscow took note of the statements made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the European Political Community (EPC) summit in Yerevan, which included “threats to attack Moscow precisely on May 9th”.
Parade in the Square Red worries Moscow
Zelensky previously stated that Russia fears a drone attack on the day of the military parade on Red Square in Moscow.
“Russia has announced a parade for May 9 in Moscow without military equipment. If that happens, it will be the first time in many, many years. Military equipment cannot be allowed and they are afraid that drones could fly over Red Square,” said the Ukrainian leader.
On May 9th, the Russia celebrates Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in 1945usually with a large military parade on Red Square, in Moscow.
Since 2023, Ukraine celebrates victory in the Second World War on May 8, like Western countries.
Putin and Zelensky have already agreed two similar brief truces in 2025.
Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, with the argument of protecting pro-Russian separatist minorities in the east and “denazifying” the neighboring country, independent since 1991, following the disintegration of the former Soviet Union. Kiev has been moving away from Moscow’s space of influence and moving closer to Europe and the West.
On the diplomatic level, Russia has so far rejected any prolonged ceasefire and demands, to put an end to the conflict, that Ukraine cede to it at least four regions – Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson and Zaporijia – in addition to the Crimean peninsula, annexed in 2014, and renounce joining NATO forever.
