Ukraine declares a ceasefire starting May 6 - Zelenskyy
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine (Getty Images)
Ukraine is initiating a ceasefire amid Moscow’s idea of a Victory Day truce. It is set to begin on the night of May 6, according to a Telegram statement from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
According to the head of state, as of today, Ukraine has not received any official request regarding the modalities of the ceasefire announced by Russia.
"We believe that human life is an incomparably greater value than the celebration of any anniversary. Therefore, we announce a ceasefire starting at 00:00 on the night of May 5–6," Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.
He said that within the time remaining until then, it is realistically possible to ensure the start of a ceasefire. Ukraine will act in a mirror response.
"It is time for the Russian leadership to take real steps to end their war, if the Russian Ministry of Defense believes it cannot hold a parade in Moscow without Ukraine’s goodwill," the president noted.
Sybiha’s statement
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha wrote on Twitter (X) that peace cannot wait for "parades and celebrations."
According to him, if Moscow is ready to stop hostilities, it can do so tomorrow evening, May 5.
The minister appealed to all partners, peace-oriented countries, and international organizations to support Kyiv’s initiative.
"May 6th will show whether Moscow is serious and what it actually wants — peace or military parades," he added.
Russia demands a ceasefire for Victory Day
Last week, Russian leader Vladimir Putin, during a conversation with US President Donald Trump, declared readiness to establish a ceasefire with Ukraine for Victory Day.
Ukrainian officials, including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, stressed that Russia is trying to secure its military parade scheduled for May 9.
Earlier today, May 4, Russia’s Ministry of Defense stated that Putin had ordered a ceasefire for May 8–9.
At the same time, the ministry threatened that if Ukraine does not agree to a ceasefire, Russia will carry out a massive missile strike on the center of Kyiv.
