Kyiv: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday announced a ceasefire with Russia "starting at 00:00 on the night of May 5-6," emphasizing that "human life is far more valuable than any anniversary celebration." Zelenskyy made it clear that there was no official request from Ukraine regarding the "cessation of hostilities" announced by Moscow during Russia's Victory Day celebrations.

According to Anadolu Agency, Zelenskyy stated that it is realistic to ensure that silence takes effect in the time leading up to the ceasefire. He shared this message on US social media platform X, noting that while the duration of the ceasefire was not explicitly mentioned, the state-run news agency Ukrinform reported it would begin on May 6. Zelenskyy affirmed that Ukraine would respond reciprocally once the truce is in effect.

He further urged Russian leaders to take tangible steps to end the conflict, especially given that Russia's Defense Ministry believes it cannot hold a parade in Moscow without Ukraine's cooperation. Earlier, the Russian Defense Ministry had declared a ceasefire with Ukraine for May 8-9 "in honor of the celebration of the Soviet people's victory in the Great Patriotic War."

In a statement on Telegram, the Russian Defense Ministry assured that Moscow will take "all necessary" measures to ensure the security of the celebrations, referencing a statement by Zelenskyy, which they claim contains threats to strike Moscow on May 9. The ministry warned of a retaliatory massive missile strike on Kyiv should the "Kyiv regime" attempt to disrupt the 81st anniversary celebration of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.

Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the ceasefire proposal with US President Donald Trump on Wednesday, suggesting a truce in Ukraine during the Victory Day celebrations. Yury Ushakov, a Russian presidential aide for foreign affairs, confirmed Trump's endorsement of the idea.