Russia Announces May 8-9 Ceasefire for Victory Day Commemoration, Warns Ukraine Not to Try to Interfere

Russia announced a ceasefire in its war with Ukraine ahead of Victory Day celebrations this weekend, warning Kyiv not to try to interfere or it would face an attack on the capital.

The Russian Defense Ministry announced a ceasefire on May 8 and 9 to commemorate the Soviet Union's victory in the Great Patriotic War or World War II or 'Victory Day'.

"In accordance with the decision of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of Russia Vladimir Putin, a ceasefire was announced on May 8-9, 2026, to commemorate the celebration of the victory of the Soviet people in the Great Patriotic War," the statement read, as reported by TASS (5/5).

Furthermore, the Russian Ministry of Defense issued a stern warning not to try to interfere with the warning or will bear the risk.

The ministry emphasized that if Ukraine tried to carry out its criminal plan to disrupt the celebration of Russia's Victory Day, the Russian Army would launch an attack targeting the center of Kyiv City.

"We warn the civilian population of Kyiv and employees of foreign diplomatic missions about the need to leave the city in a timely manner," the statement said.