Zelenskyy allows a parade in Moscow on May 9
Photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
Ukraine has agreed to a ceasefire with Russia from May 9 to May 11. Kyiv also separately allowed a parade in Moscow for Victory Day, according to a Telegram post from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his decree.
Ceasefire with Russia
The head of state noted that in recent days there had been many appeals and signals regarding the configuration of May 9 in Moscow in connection with Ukraine’s "long-range sanctions." The Ukrainian side informed Russia that Ukrainian forces would adhere to the principle of reciprocity.
An additional argument for Ukraine in forming its position was the humanitarian issue, namely the release of prisoners of war.
"The Red Square is less important to us than the lives of Ukrainian prisoners who can be brought home. That is why today, as part of the negotiation process mediated by the US, we received Russia’s agreement to carry out a prisoner exchange in a 1000-for-1000 format. A ceasefire must also be established on May 9, 10, and 11," Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized.
According to the president, he has already instructed his team to urgently prepare everything necessary for the exchange.
Zelensky also thanked US President Donald Trump and his team for effective diplomacy.
Decree on the parade
Separately, the head of the Ukrainian state signed a decree regarding a Victory Day parade in Moscow.
"In view of numerous requests, and for humanitarian purposes outlined in negotiations with the American side on May 8, 2026, I hereby decree: to allow a parade to be held on May 9, 2026, in the city of Moscow (Russia)," the document states.
According to the decree, during the parade, a section of the use plan of Ukrainian weapons was excluded over the area of Red Square. The coordinates include:
- 55.754413 37.617733 — near the State Duma / Manezhnaya Square
- 55.755205 37.619181 — northern edge of Red Square
- 55.753351 37.622854 — east of Red Square, near the GUM department store
- 55.752504 37.621538 — directly near St. Basil’s Cathedral
Ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia
Ukraine had proposed to Russia to begin a ceasefire on May 6, but Moscow did not take this step. The enemy completely ignored the peace initiative of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Instead, Russia announced a ceasefire with Ukraine from May 8 to May 10, but the Russians refused to adhere to it as well.
On May 8, US President Donald Trump stated that Ukraine and Russia had agreed to a ceasefire from May 9 to May 11.
