Russia’s Defense Ministry declares a unilateral ceasefire in parts of Ukraine for Victory Day, marking the 81st anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. Multiple outlets report the truce is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, while Russia threatens to respond with force if Ukraine tries to disrupt Victory Day festivities in Moscow, including the planned military parade.
Ukrainian officials publicly contest the proposal. According to The Guardian and Korea Times, Kyiv says Russia has repeatedly violated ceasefire arrangements and references a recent Ukrainian call for a halt to fighting that Kyiv describes as ignored. Korea Times reports that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy states Ukraine will begin a ceasefire at 12 a.m. on Wednesday and respond in kind to Russia’s actions, without specifying an end date.
The announcements occur amid heightened tensions around the Moscow parade and follow a pattern of earlier ceasefire efforts, including around Orthodox Easter, that observers describe as having limited impact. Some reporting also notes diplomatic engagement, with the U.S. and Ukraine preparing talks in parallel with the truce declarations.
