Russia and Ukraine declare rival ceasefires ahead of May 9
Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared a unilateral ceasefire starting at midnight on May 8 and lasting through May 9, 2026, to commemorate the 81st anniversary of the victory in World War II.
Despite the offer, Moscow issued a stern warning that any "provocations" or disruptions to the celebrations would be met with a massive missile strike on the center of Kyiv, News.Az reports, citing Euro News.
Russian authorities have advised civilians and foreign diplomats to evacuate the Ukrainian capital ahead of the holiday.
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In a proactive response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a separate "regime of silence" beginning earlier, at midnight on May 5. Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine’s move is aimed at achieving a genuine, long-term cessation of hostilities rather than a symbolic pause. He clarified that Kyiv had received no official proposals from the Kremlin and characterized the Russian threats as a contradiction to the spirit of a truce. While the two sides have not coordinated their efforts, both have signaled a temporary halt in active combat, albeit under the shadow of potential escalation.
By Leyla Şirinova
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