MOSCOW: Russia on Monday declared a ceasefire in its conflict with Ukraine for May 8–9 to coincide with its annual Victory Day commemorations and warned of retaliation if Kyiv violated the truce.
In a statement, Russia’s defence ministry said the ceasefire was ordered by President Vladimir Putin “in honour of the victory of the Soviet people in the Great Patriotic War” and expressed hope that Ukraine would reciprocate.
The ministry warned that if Ukraine attempted to disrupt celebrations marking the 81st anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany, Russian forces would respond forcefully.
“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 centre of Kyiv,” the statement said.
The defence ministry added that Russia had previously refrained from such actions “for humanitarian reasons” but was prepared to act if necessary.
The ministry cited earlier remarks by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which it said contained threats to target Moscow on May 9.
The ceasefire proposal was first raised by Putin during a recent phone call with US President Donald Trump, according to Russian officials.
Ukraine has not formally accepted the proposal.
Earlier today, Zelenskyy said that Kyiv had not received any official details of the ceasefire offer.
“This is Russia’s war against Ukraine. If the US and Russia are negotiating, it is important that our side knows what they are talking about,” he said.
Zelenskyy pointed to recent Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities, including strikes on Merefa in the Kharkiv region and the city of Dnipro, as evidence that hostilities continue despite talk of a truce.
Ukraine said last week it would seek clarification from Washington regarding the proposal.
