Zelenskyy’s ceasefire takes effect, two days ahead of Russia’s Victory Day truce

A ceasefire declared by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy came into effect at midnight (2100GMT) on Tuesday, two days before the May 8-9 Victory Day truce announced by Russia. Zelenskyy announced the ceasefire on Monday, saying it would begin “starting at 00:00 on the night of May 5-6” (Kyiv time), adding that “human life is far more valuable than any anniversary celebration.” His statement followed a Russian Defense Ministry announcement of a truce for May 8-9 “in honor of the celebration of the Soviet people’s victory in the Great Patriotic War.”

Russia’s warning

In a Telegram statement, the Russian Defense Ministry said Moscow would take “all necessary” measures to ensure security during the celebrations and threatened a “massive” retaliatory missile strike on central Kyiv if the festivities were disrupted. However, Zelenskyy noted that no official request had been made to Ukraine regarding the “cessation of hostilities” announced by Moscow. Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s presidential office, said Tuesday that Kyiv’s ceasefire proposal reflects Ukraine’s “genuine desire for peace” and that Ukraine would continue the truce if Moscow reciprocates. Budanov emphasized that Zelenskyy’s proposal is not constrained by dates “for the sake of imposing ideological dogmas, but for the sake of preserving human life and restoring security.”