Moscow, May 4, 2026 – The Europe Today: The Russian Defense Ministry has declared a unilateral ceasefire with Ukraine for May 8–9, 2024, in observance of the 81st anniversary of the Soviet victory in the Great Patriotic War.
According to a statement released via Telegram and reported by Anadolu Agency, Moscow expressed hope that Ukraine would reciprocate the gesture. However, the announcement was accompanied by a severe warning regarding potential Ukrainian military action during the holiday.
Security Measures and Threats of Retaliation
The Russian Defense Ministry stated it would take “all necessary” measures to secure the celebrations, citing threats from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to strike Moscow on May 9.
“If the Kyiv regime attempts to implement its criminal plans to disrupt the celebration… the Russian Armed Forces will launch a retaliatory, massive missile strike on the center of Kyiv,” the ministry stated.
The ministry urged the civilian population of Kyiv and foreign diplomatic personnel to leave the city promptly, asserting that while Russia has previously refrained from such strikes for “humanitarian reasons,” it is prepared to act if the May 9 parade is disrupted.
Diplomatic Developments and US Involvement
The ceasefire proposal follows a reported telephone conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump.
- US-Russia Talks: According to Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov, President Trump endorsed the idea of a Victory Day ceasefire.
- Ukrainian Exclusion: President Zelenskyy confirmed that discussions regarding a May 9 truce took place between the United States and Russia without the involvement of Ukrainian officials. “No one officially contacted us, no one officially offered anything,” Zelenskyy stated.
Zelenskyy’s Response and Observations
Speaking at the 8th European Political Community summit in Yerevan, Armenia, President Zelenskyy suggested that Ukrainian drones could fly over Moscow during the planned military parade.
Zelenskyy further noted reports that Russia would avoid holding a full-scale military equipment parade this year for the first time. He characterized this development as evidence that Moscow is “no longer as strong as they used to be.”
As of the time of reporting, Ukrainian authorities have not issued an official response to Moscow’s unilateral ceasefire announcement.
