KABUL: Russia and Ukraine have announced separate two-day ceasefires in the ongoing war, but with differing dates.
Russia’s foreign ministry said the ceasefire would take place on May 8–9 to mark Victory Day, commemorating the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Kyiv would implement its own ceasefire on May 5–6, beginning at midnight Tuesday.
Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine has not received any formal request from Moscow regarding the coordination of a ceasefire, adding that “human lives are far more valuable than any anniversary celebrations.”
Russia, however, said it expects Ukraine to adhere to its proposed timeline. In its statement, Moscow warned that any disruption to Victory Day events could trigger a large-scale retaliatory missile strike on central Kyiv.
Russia annually marks May 9 as Victory Day, celebrating the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II.