Russia and Ukraine announce separate unilateral ceasefires

Russia and Ukraine have announced separate unilateral ceasefires as the conflict enters its fourth year. On April 28, Russia's Defense Ministry announced a ceasefire effective from May 8 to 9, coinciding with a large military parade at Moscow's Red Square marking the 81st anniversary of Victory Day in the Great Patriotic War (World War II).

"By decision of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Armed Forces, Vladimir Putin, a ceasefire has been declared from May 8 to 9, 2026," the Russian Defense Ministry posted on the state-backed MAX messaging app. "We hope the Ukrainian side will follow suit."

Shortly after, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he had received no official notification from Russia and announced that Ukraine would observe its own ceasefire starting at midnight on May 5 (local time, 2100 GMT on May 4).

"So far, no official appeal has been sent to Ukraine about the modality of the ceasefire being announced on Russian social media," Zelensky wrote on social media. "In this regard, we declare a ceasefire regime starting from 00:00 (2100 GMT) on the night of May 5-6. During the remaining time until that moment, it is entirely possible to ensure that silence takes effect."

The Ukrainian president stressed that "human life is incomparably more valuable than any 'celebration' of any day," adding: "It is time for Russian leaders to take real steps to end their war."

Kiev warned, Moscow fears

Putin first proposed a ceasefire last week during a phone call with former U.S. President Donald Trump. At that time, Ukraine said it would seek details from Washington while reiterating its support for a long-term ceasefire and a peace agreement based on security guarantees.

On April 28, Russia's Defense Ministry said the military would take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of the Victory Day parade and issued a warning to Ukraine: "If the Kiev regime attempts to carry out criminal plans to disrupt the celebration of the 81st anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, the Russian Armed Forces will launch a large-scale missile retaliatory strike on the center of Kiev."

"We warn the residents of Kiev and foreign diplomatic mission staff about the need to leave the city immediately," the statement said. Russia called the ceasefire a precautionary measure against the risk of a Ukrainian attack during the Victory Day celebrations.

Earlier the same day, speaking at a meeting with European Union leaders, President Zelensky suggested that Russia's decision not to display military equipment in the parade was due to fear of Ukrainian drones and evidence of Moscow's weakness.

"This summer will be the time when [Russian President Vladimir] Putin decides the next step: expand the war or move toward diplomacy. And we must push him toward diplomacy," Zelensky said at a meeting of the European Political Community (EPC) in Yerevan. "Russia has announced the May 9 parade in Moscow without military equipment. If that happens, it will be the first time in many, many years. They cannot afford military equipment – and they are afraid drones might buzz over Red Square. This shows they are no longer strong."

Earlier, in April 2026, Putin declared a 32-hour ceasefire for Orthodox Easter, and Zelensky confirmed Ukraine would respect it. After fighting resumed, both sides accused each other of violations.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022, has become the bloodiest conflict in Europe since World War II, killing hundreds of thousands and displacing millions.