Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared a ceasefire effective May 6th, urging Russian leadership to take concrete steps towards ending the war.
Zelenskyy’s Ceasefire Declaration
Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a ceasefire starting at 00:00 on May 6th, stating that life is more valuable than anniversary celebrations. He noted the lack of official appeals to Ukraine regarding cessation of hostilities from Russian sources.
Zelenskyy added that Ukraine will act on a principle of reciprocity, and called on Russian leadership to take real steps to end the war, particularly given Russia’s concerns about holding a parade in Moscow.
Putin Announces Separate Ceasefire
Vladimir Putin previously announced a ceasefire from May 8-9 to commemorate the Victory Day celebrations. The Russian Ministry of Defense stated they expect Ukraine to follow suit.
Concerns Over Moscow Parade
Zelenskyy stated at the European Political Community summit in Yerevan that Putin must be pushed towards diplomacy. He noted Russia has announced a parade in Moscow on May 9th without military equipment, a first in many years, suggesting a fear of drone attacks.
Russian Threat of Retaliation
The Russian Ministry of Defense warned that if Ukraine attempts to disrupt the 81st anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War, Russia will launch a massive retaliatory missile strike on the center of Kyiv.
Scaled-Down Moscow Parade
For the first time in 18 years, the May 9th parade on Red Square will not include a column of military vehicles. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov cited security concerns and the threat of terrorism as the reason for the scaled-down ceremony.
Kremlin Fears Ukrainian Attacks
According to politologist Professor Roman Baecker from the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, the change in parade plans demonstrates the Kremlin’s fear of a Ukrainian strike. He believes Putin is unsure if Russian air defenses will be sufficient to prevent a potential Ukrainian air attack on Moscow.
Edited by
Kamila Cieślik