Russia declares a truce in Ukraine to mark Victory Day
Russia has declared a unilateral ceasefire in Ukraine for two days to mark the 81st anniversary of Victory Day, threatening retaliation if Kyiv disrupts the celebrations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded by announcing a reciprocal truce starting Wednesday, urging Russia to take genuine steps toward ending the war. The scaled-back military parade in Moscow reflects heightened security concerns amid ongoing Ukrainian drone attacks inside Russia.
- ▪Russia's Defense Ministry declared a ceasefire for Friday and Saturday but threatened a massive missile strike on Kyiv if Ukraine disrupts Victory Day events.
- ▪Zelenskyy announced Ukraine would observe a truce from 12 a.m. Wednesday and respond in kind to Russian actions, without specifying an end date.
- ▪The Victory Day parade in Moscow will exclude military hardware for the first time in nearly two decades due to security concerns over Ukrainian drone attacks.
- ▪Zelenskyy stated that Russia's fear of drone attacks during the parade indicates weakness and called for continued pressure through sanctions.
- ▪Cellphone internet restrictions have been initiated in Moscow and St. Petersburg to counter potential Ukrainian drone threats during the holiday.
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World Russia declares a truce in Ukraine to mark Victory Day May 5, 20261:47 AM ET By The Associated Press Russian President Vladimir Putin listens to Head of the Republic of Mordovia Artyom Zdunov at the Kremlin in Moscow, Monday, May 4, 2026. Mikhail Metzel/Pool Sputnik Kremlin hide caption toggle caption Mikhail Metzel/Pool Sputnik Kremlin Russia's Defense Ministry declared a unilateral ceasefire in Ukraine for Friday and Saturday to mark the 81st anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II, but it threatened to strike back at Kyiv if it tries to disrupt the Victory Day festivities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in response said his country would observe a truce beginning at 12 a.m. on Wednesday and respond in kind to Russia's actions from that moment on.
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