Russia and Ukraine have announced temporary and unilateral ceasefires in the fourth year of the ongoing war, but with conflicting timelines. Russia declared a pause in hostilities from May 8 to 9 to celebrate the 81st anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War (World War II) with a major military parade in Moscow. Hours later, Ukraine announced it would observe a separate ceasefire on May 5 and 6.
“In accordance with a decision of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Armed Forces, Vladimir Putin, a ceasefire has been declared from May 8-9, 2026,” the Russian Ministry of Defence said. “We hope that the Ukrainian side will follow suit.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded that Kyiv had not received any official notice from Russia regarding the claimed ceasefire.
He announced that Ukraine would implement its own ceasefire starting at midnight on May 5.
On social media, Zelenskyy wrote, “As of today, Ukraine has not received an official request regarding the modality of cessation of hostilities.”
"In this regard, we are announcing a ceasefire regime starting at 00:00 on the night of May 5-6.”
Zelenskyy added that Russia should focus on ending the war rather than celebrating anniversaries, stating that “human lives are more important than any anniversary.
”The Russian Defence Ministry warned that if Ukraine attempts to disrupt the Victory Day celebrations, the Russian Armed Forces will respond with a 'massive missile strike on the centre of Kyiv.'"
It also urged civilians and foreign diplomatic missions in Kyiv to leave the city immediately.
The conflicting announcements highlight the deep distrust between the two sides even as both declare temporary pauses in fighting.
Also read: Russia to hold Victory Day parade without military equipments
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