Russia announced on Monday that it will unilaterally implement a ceasefire in Ukraine on Friday, May 8, and Saturday, May 9, coinciding with commemorations marking the victory in World War II. At the same time, Moscow warned that any violation of the truce by Ukrainian armed forces would result in a “massive missile strike” against Kyiv.
In response, Ukraine declared its own unilateral ceasefire, set to run from midnight on Tuesday, May 5, until midnight on Wednesday, May 6. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed the Russian proposal, stating that it is “not serious” to expect a ceasefire to be observed merely to allow the Russian military to celebrate.
The exchange of announcements highlights the ongoing tensions between the two sides, with both countries taking independent steps rather than coordinating a mutual agreement.
These developments come at a time when international attention, particularly from the United States, has shifted significantly toward the crisis in the Middle East. As a result, diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine, ongoing since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, have largely stalled, leaving the conflict unresolved and fragile ceasefire proposals uncertain.
Source: ANA-MPA, Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
