Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a two-day ceasefire in Ukraine from May 8 to May 9 to mark the 81st anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory
over Nazi Germany in World War II, according to Russia’s Defence Ministry. The ministry said Russia expects Ukraine to observe the temporary halt in hostilities during the Victory Day commemorations. It added that if Ukraine attempts to disrupt the celebrations, Russia would respond with a “massive retaliatory missile strike” targeting the centre of Kyiv. “Despite the capabilities at our disposal, Russia has previously refrained from such actions on humanitarian grounds,” the Defence Ministry said in a statement. “However, we are ready to act if the ceasefire is not respected.” The statement also issued a warning to civilians in Kyiv, as well as staff at foreign diplomatic missions, advising them to leave the city in a timely manner for their own safety. The announcement comes amid ongoing fighting in the three-year-long conflict between Russia and Ukraine. There has been no immediate confirmation from Ukrainian authorities on whether they intend to observe the proposed ceasefire. Temporary truces around major holidays have been proposed in various forms during the conflict, but most have been short-lived or accompanied by mutual accusations of violations from both sides. It remains uncertain whether this latest declaration will lead to a genuine pause in fighting or further escalation. May 9, known as Victory Day in Russia, is one of the country’s most significant national holidays. It commemorates the Soviet Union’s role in the defeat of Nazi Germany in 1945. President Putin traditionally presides over a large military parade in Moscow’s Red Square, featuring troops, military hardware, and displays of national power. The timing of the ceasefire announcement places renewed international attention on the conflict, as world leaders continue to call for de-escalation while diplomatic efforts to secure a lasting peace remain stalled. Observers note that battlefield conditions and political calculations on both sides will likely determine whether the proposed truce holds even temporarily.
