Moscow, May 8, 2026 – The Europe Today: Russia’s two-day ceasefire announced for the country’s May 9 Victory Day commemorations officially came into effect at midnight Thursday, according to media reports and statements from Russian authorities.
The ceasefire, which began at 2100 GMT on Thursday, is scheduled to remain in force until Sunday as Moscow prepares to host the annual Victory Day military parade at Red Square on Saturday.
Victory Day is observed on May 9 in Russia and several former Soviet republics to commemorate the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany during World War II, a conflict referred to in Russia as the Great Patriotic War.
According to a statement issued earlier Thursday by Russia’s Defense Ministry, Russian forces will suspend front-line combat operations and airstrikes targeting what it described as “deployment sites and infrastructure facilities associated with the military-industrial complex and armed forces” of Ukraine during the ceasefire period.
The ministry called on Ukraine to observe a similar halt in hostilities, warning that Russian forces would “respond appropriately” if the ceasefire is violated or if attempts are made to strike populated areas or facilities within Russian territory.
The statement further warned that Russia would launch a “massive” missile strike on central Kyiv if Ukraine disrupts Saturday’s Victory Day events in Moscow.
Ukraine had earlier announced that it would observe its own ceasefire beginning at midnight Tuesday. However, Ukrainian authorities have accused Russia of violating the truce by continuing airstrikes and front-line attacks after the partial halt was declared.
