Russia announces ceasefire on Victory Day, hopes Ukraine will follow suit

On May 4, Xinhua News Agency reported from Moscow (Reporter Geng Huifang) that the Russian Ministry of Defense announced that the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, President Putin, has decided to implement a ceasefire from May 8 to 9 to commemorate the victory of the Soviet people in the Great Patriotic War. It is hoped that the Ukrainian side will follow Russia's example.

The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that it has noted the statement made by the Ukrainian leadership at the European Political Community Summit, which included threats to launch attacks on the Russian capital, Moscow, on May 9, Victory Day. The Russian military will take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of the celebrations for the 81st anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War.

The Russian Ministry of Defense also stated that if the Ukrainian side attempts to carry out criminal plans to disrupt the Victory Day celebrations, the Russian military will launch a large-scale retaliatory strike on the center of Kyiv. The Russian side has the capability to do so, but has previously avoided such actions for humanitarian reasons.

May 9, "Victory Day in the Patriotic War," is one of Russia's most solemn holidays. The Kremlin stated at the end of April that the Red Square parade will still be held on May 9, but on a reduced scale; for security reasons, military equipment will not be displayed.

Russia and Ukraine conducted a 32-hour ceasefire for Orthodox Easter in April, but both sides accused each other of violating the ceasefire arrangements and launching attacks.