Ukraine and Russia have proposed mismatched ceasefire timelines ahead of Russia’s Victory Day parade, leaving any pause in fighting uncertain. Ukraine said it was prepared to observe a ceasefire from late May 5 into May 6 if Russia halted attacks at the same time, while Russia proposed a May 8–9 pause tied to its Red Square and Victory Day events.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Monday that Ukraine is ready to observe a ceasefire regime starting at midnight on the night of May 5–6, while saying Kyiv has not received any official request on the terms of a halt in fighting being discussed on Russian social media.
Zelenskyy said in a post on X that “human life is far more valuable than any anniversary celebration,” referring to Russia’s upcoming Victory Day commemorations.
He said there was still time before midnight for silence to take effect.
“We will act reciprocally starting from that moment,” Zelenskyy said.
The statement followed a Russian account of a recent call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Donald Trump.
Russian President Vladimir Putin first proposed the truce last week during a phone call with President Donald Trump, according to the Russian Defense Ministry statement provided.
“In accordance with a decision of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Armed Forces, Vladimir Putin, a ceasefire has been declared from May 8–9 2026…We hope that the Ukrainian side will follow suit,” the Russian Defense Ministry said in a post on the state-backed messaging app MAX.
Victory Day, marked May 9 in Russia, commemorates the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.
Zelenskyy said Russian leaders should take “real steps” to end the war. He also said Russia’s Defense Ministry appeared to believe Moscow could not hold its parade without what he called “Ukraine’s goodwill.”
A global media for the latest news, entertainment, music fashion, and more.
