MOSCOW/KYIV – Russia's Defense Ministry on Monday declared a ceasefire on May 8-9 in honor of the Victory Day celebration, voicing hope that the Ukrainian side will follow suit.

The truce was declared in accordance with a decision by Russian President Vladimir Putin, the ministry said, adding that Russian forces would take all necessary measures to ensure security during the commemorative events.

The ministry also warned that any attempts to disrupt the celebrations marking the 81st anniversary of victory in the Great Patriotic War would trigger a "massive missile strike" on central Kyiv.

It said Russia had previously refrained from such actions for humanitarian reasons, despite having the capability, and warned civilians in Kyiv as well as foreign diplomatic staff to leave the city in a timely manner.

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In his phone call with US President Donald Trump on April 29, Putin expressed Russia's readiness to declare a truce for the period of Victory Day commemorations.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on April 30 that he has instructed his representatives to contact Trump's team and clarify the details of Russia's proposal for the ceasefire. 

Ukraine announces ceasefire regime 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced Monday that Ukraine will implement a ceasefire with Russia starting Wednesday.

"We are announcing a ceasefire regime starting at 00:00 on the night of May 5-6. In the time left until that moment, it is realistic to ensure that silence takes effect," Zelensky wrote on X.

Ukraine will act reciprocally starting from that moment, Zelensky said.

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He added that Ukraine has received no official appeal regarding the modality of a cessation of hostilities that is being referenced on Russian social media.

'Serious proposal'

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on Monday described the Ukrainian ceasefire offer to Russia as "a serious proposal" to end the crisis and turn to diplomacy.

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"If Moscow is prepared to end hostilities, it can do so already tomorrow night. Ukraine is ready: at midnight from May 5th to May 6th," Sybiha wrote on X.

"Peace cannot wait until 'parades' and 'celebrations,'" he stressed.

Sybiha also called on Ukraine's partners, peace-supporting nations and international organizations to back the call for ending hostilities.