Russia’s two-day Victory Day ceasefire takes effect
A two-day ceasefire declared by Moscow for Victory Day celebrations began at midnight Thursday and will last until Sunday. Russia halted all front-line operations and airstrikes but warned of retaliation if Ukraine disrupts Saturday’s Red Square parade.
A temporary truce announced by Russia to mark the country’s May 9 Victory Day commemorations has officially come into force. The ceasefire, which started at midnight Thursday (2100GMT), is set to remain in place until Sunday. Moscow is preparing for its annual Victory Day parade in Red Square on Saturday, a holiday celebrating the Soviet Union’s defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II, referred to in Russia as the Great Patriotic War.
Conditions and warnings from Moscow
According to a statement from Russia’s Defense Ministry, all front-line hostilities and airstrikes against Ukrainian military-industrial sites and armed forces infrastructure have ceased. “We call on the Ukrainian side to follow this example,” the ministry said, warning that any violation of the ceasefire or attempts to strike Russian populated areas would be met with an “appropriate response.” The ministry further stated that a “massive” missile strike would be launched on central Kyiv if Ukraine disrupts Saturday’s Victory Day celebrations.
Ukraine’s parallel ceasefire and accusations
Ukraine announced its own unilateral ceasefire starting Tuesday, but has accused Russian forces of violating the halt by continuing airstrikes and ground assaults. The duelling truces highlight the deep mutual distrust between the two sides.
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