Russia announces ceasefire with Ukraine for May 8–9 and threatens to strike center of Kyiv

Ceasefire

"According to the decision of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, a ceasefire is declared on May 8–9, 2026," the statement from the ministry said.

The Russian Ministry of Defense expects Ukraine to "follow this example."

Threats from the aggressor

The ministry also referred to statements by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that Ukrainian drones could appear over Moscow during the Victory Day parade.

Russia promised to take "all necessary measures to ensure security" during the parade.

"If the Kyiv regime attempts to implement its criminal plans aimed at disrupting the celebration of the 81st anniversary of victory in the Great Patriotic War, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation will deliver an appropriate massive missile strike on the center of Kyiv," the statement from the Ministry of Defense of the aggressor state said.

They cynically claimed that they had allegedly refrained from such actions so far for humanitarian reasons.

The Russian authorities also urged residents of Kyiv and staff of foreign diplomatic missions to "leave the city in a timely manner."

What is known about Moscow’s idea

The Russian initiative to declare a ceasefire on May 9 was first reported following a phone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump. This was first announced by Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov.

The US president himself claimed that he was the one who proposed a short ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia.

Afterwards, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov added that Ukraine’s response was allegedly "not needed," and that Putin would make a unilateral decision.

In turn, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that the ceasefire idea could be a tactical deception by Moscow, as the Russian authorities are interested in ensuring a safe military parade on May 9.

He also described Russia’s actions as dishonest — first the Kremlin attacks Ukraine and kills civilians, and then seeks a "pause" for its own parade.

A source in the government told RBC-Ukraine that Russia has so far not responded to Ukraine’s signals regarding a ceasefire.