Putin declares two-day ceasefire in Ukraine for Victory Day

BY AHMET TAŞ | WISE NEWS PRESS
MOSCOW, Russia — Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine for May 8-9 to coincide with Victory Day commemorations, while both sides continue to exchange warnings, highlighting ongoing tensions on the ground.

The decision marks a symbolic pause linked to Russia’s celebration of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, though uncertainty remains over whether both sides will fully adhere to the truce.

Russia announces ceasefire

Russia’s Defense Ministry said the ceasefire would take effect under Putin’s directive and expressed expectation that Ukraine would also observe the pause.

Officials stated that the decision was made in connection with Victory Day events and that security measures would be heightened during the celebrations.

Security concerns and warnings

Russian authorities claimed that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had threatened a potential attack on Moscow during Victory Day, prompting increased security precautions.

They warned that any attack attempts would be met with a strong response, including the possibility of missile strikes targeting central Kyiv.

Ukraine calls for earlier truce

Zelensky, in a statement on social media, announced that Ukraine would implement a temporary ceasefire starting from May 6 at midnight and called on Russia to follow suit.

He noted that Kyiv had not received any official ceasefire proposal from Moscow prior to the announcement.

“Human life comes first”

The Ukrainian leader emphasized that human lives should take precedence over any commemorative events.

Zelensky did not specify how long Ukraine’s ceasefire would last but warned that any violations by Russian forces would be met with retaliation.

Tensions persist despite ceasefire steps

The exchange of statements suggests that, despite limited ceasefire initiatives, tensions remain high between the two sides.

Analysts say such short-term ceasefires are often symbolic or tactical in nature and may not significantly alter the broader course of the conflict.

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