Russia, by decision of President Vladimir Putin, declares a truce in the war with Ukraine. It will last for two days – May 8 and 9, 2026. male Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation.
The Russian Military Ministry emphasized: “We hope that the Ukrainian side will follow this example.”
The Ministry of Defense added, at the same time, that if Ukraine tried to disrupt the celebration of Victory Day, Russian forces “will launch a large-scale retaliatory missile attack on central Kiev,” which it had previously refrained from doing.
The Russian military administration said in a statement: “We warn the civilian population of Kiev and employees of foreign diplomatic missions of the need to leave the city in a timely manner.”
Updated. Vladimir Zelensky Announce “Silence Mode” starting on May 6. “We consider human life to be of incomparably greater value than the ‘celebration’ of any anniversary. In this regard, we declare a regime of silence starting at 00:00 on the night of May 5-6. <…> We will act in a mirror manner, starting from the indicated moment. It is time for Russian leaders to take real steps to end their war, if the Russian Defense Ministry already believes it will not last. “The military parade in Moscow without the good faith of Ukraine,” Zelensky wrote in a telegram.
Vladimir Putin first raised the possibility of a truce in honor of Victory Day in a phone conversation with Donald Trump at the end of April. Ukraine has not yet agreed to a truce. The Kremlin stated that Kyiv’s approval was not necessary, because “this is a decision.” [Путина]”It will be implemented.”
Vladimir Zelensky, commenting on Putin’s words on the truce, said on April 30 that Ukraine was interested in a long-term ceasefire, not “a few hours of security for the military parade in Moscow.”
May 4 Zelensky maleThe truncated format of the parade in Moscow – which will be held this year without military equipment – speaks to the Russian authorities’ fear of Ukrainian drones. “They cannot buy military equipment, and they are afraid that drones will fly over Red Square,” Zelensky said. “This is an indicator – it shows that they are not strong.”