The Russian Ministry of Defence has unilaterally announced a ceasefire for May 8–9 and is threatening a strike on Kyiv if Victory Day celebrations are disrupted.
“In accordance with the decision of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, a ceasefire is declared on May 8–9, 2026, in honour of the celebration of the Soviet people’s victory in the Great Patriotic War. We expect that the Ukrainian side will follow this example,” the Russian Defence Ministry said.
Russia responded to remarks by Volodymyr Zelensky about drones over Red Square and is threatening to launch a massive strike on central Kyiv if Ukraine attempts to disrupt Victory Day celebrations. The ministry also urged Kyiv residents to leave the city.
“In the event of attempts by the Kyiv regime to implement its criminal plans aimed at disrupting the celebration of the 81st anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation will deliver a retaliatory, massive missile strike on the centre of Kyiv.
Despite the capabilities at our disposal, Russia has previously refrained from such actions for humanitarian reasons.
We warn the civilian population of Kyiv and employees of foreign diplomatic missions of the need to leave the city in a timely manner,” the statement said.
