Russia, Ukraine declare competitive ceasefires

Russia announced on Monday that its ceasefire will be between May 8th and 9th, when Victory Day is traditionally marked in the Patriotic Great War (as World War II calls it) with a major military parade in Moscow. Kiev later said it was announcing its ceasefire on May 5th-6th, reports Aljazeera, broadcast Periscope.

“In line with a decision by Russian Armed Forces Supreme Commander Vladimir Putin, a cease-fire has been declared from May 8th to May 9, 2026”, the Russian Defence Ministry said in a post on the state-backed MAX message app. “We hope the Ukrainian side will follow suit. ”

Ukraine's president, Voldymyr Zelensky, said a little later that he had received no official announcement from Russia and that Ukraine would respect a special ceasefire starting in Tuesday's midnight on May 5th.

Until today, there has been no official appeal to Ukraine regarding the break-up modes of hostility being claimed in Russian social media”, Zelensky wrote in social media.

In this direction, we are declaring a ceasefire regime starting at 0 00:00 (21:00 GMT) on the night of May 5th-6. At the time remaining until that moment, it is realistic to make sure that silence comes into force”, he added.

Ukrainian President also stated that the subx0 human creation is more valuable than the celebration of any anniversary “, adding: “It is time for Russian leaders to take real steps to end their war. ”

Warning about Kiev; Moscow's 'Frica'

Putin suggested for the first time a ceasefire last week, during a call with Donald Trump.

At the time, Ukraine said it would seek details from Washington, while also reiterated that Ukraine supports a lasting ceasefire and a peace settlement supported by security guarantees.

The Russian Defence Ministry said on Monday that the military would take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of the Victory Day parade. She added a warning to Ukraine not to launch attacks during the announced ceasefire.

“If Kiev's regime tries to implement its criminal plans to thwart the 81st anniversary of victory in the Patriotic Great War, the Russian Armed Forces will launch a massive missile revenge attack at the centre of Kiev”, she said.

“We warn Kiev's civilian population and foreign diplomatic mission employees of the need to leave town immediately”, she added.

Russia called the ceasefire a precautionary move in view of the threat of Ukrainian attacks during the anniversary of Victory Day.

Zelensky said earlier Monday, as he met with leaders of the European Union, that Russia's decision not to display military equipment on parade was due to fears of Ukraine's fears and evidence of Moscow's growing weakness.

This summer will be a moment when [Russian President Vladimir] Putin will decide what to do next: expand the war or switch to diplomacy. And we should postpone it towards diplomacy”, Zelensky said, addressing leaders at a meeting of the European Political Community (EPC) in Yerevan.

“Russia has announced a parade on 9 May in Moscow without military equipment”, Zelensky said, alluding to the Russian defence ministry's decision.

If this happens, it will be the first time in many, many years. They are unable to buy military equipment - and fear that drones can fly over Red Square. That's significant. It shows that they are not strong now”, Zelensky said.

Putin announced Earlier a 32-hour truce for Orthodox Easter in April, with Zelensky confirming Ukraine would respect him. After the return of the hostilities, the two sides accused each other of his violations.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 it has turned into the bloodiest conflict in Europe since World War II, killing hundreds of thousands of people and moving millions.