Russia declares May 8-9 Victory Day truce; Ukraine announces ceasefire regime starting Wednesday

Russia’s Defense Ministry on Monday declared a ceasefire on May 8-9 in honor of the Victory Day celebration, while Ukrainian President Zelensky announced the same day that Ukraine will implement a ceasefire with Russia starting Wednesday.

The truce was declared in accordance with a decision by Russian President Putin, the ministry said, voicing hope that the Ukrainian side will follow suit. It added the Russian forces would take all necessary measures to ensure security during the commemorative events.

Russia will hold its annual Victory Day parade on Saturday to mark the 81st anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said late last month.