Moscow Declares May 9 Truce While Threatening Major Retaliatory Missile Strike on Kyiv

Russia will observe a ceasefire on May 8-9 to mark the Victory Day celebrations honoring the Soviet Union's triumph in the Great Patriotic War, the Russian Defense Ministry announced. Victory Day Ceasefire and Expectations from Ukraine The ministry stated that Russia expects Ukraine to follow suit and declare a ceasefire during the same period. Officials emphasized that the initiative reflects Moscow's intention to ensure a peaceful commemoration of the 81st anniversary of Victory. At the same time, the ministry pointed to remarks made by the Ukrainian leadership during a European Political Community summit in Yerevan, which included threats of a potential strike on Moscow specifically on May 9.