Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared a “silence regime” starting May 6th, independent of a Russian announcement of a two-day ceasefire.
Ukraine Declares “Silence Regime”
On Monday, Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the implementation of a “regime of silence” on the front lines, effective the night of Tuesday to Wednesday.
The Ukrainian President emphasized that Russia had not made any formal proposals to Kyiv regarding a ceasefire, and the decision is an autonomous move by Ukraine.
Zelenskyy’s Statement
“We believe that human life is incomparably more valuable than the ‘celebration’ of any anniversary. Therefore, we announce a regime of silence, starting from midnight on the night of May 5 to May 6. In the time remaining until this moment, ensuring silence is realistic,” Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram.
No Official Requests from Kyiv
According to the President, no one has officially contacted the authorities in Kyiv regarding a cessation of hostilities, as announced earlier Monday by the Russian side.
Russian Ceasefire Announcement
Russian President Vladimir Putin decided to introduce a two-day ceasefire in the war with Ukraine, valid on May 8th and 9th, Reuters reported, citing the Russian state agency RIA Novosti.
Kremlin’s Motivation
The Kremlin’s decision to suspend hostilities is linked to the celebration of the anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in the Great Patriotic War, as this part of World War II is referred to in Moscow.
The Soviet Union fought on the side of the anti-Hitler coalition between 1941-45.
