KABUL: A unilateral ceasefire announced by Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, has come into effect in the war with Russia.
The ceasefire began at midnight on May 5 and is set to continue until the end of May 6 two days ahead of a separate truce announced by Moscow.
The United Nations has welcomed both ceasefire initiatives. Secretary-General António Guterres expressed hope that the temporary halts in fighting would be fully implemented.
In a statement, the UN said Guterres reiterated his call for a “full, immediate, unconditional and lasting ceasefire.”
Ukraine’s move comes ahead of Russia’s planned ceasefire on May 8–9, marking Victory Day in World War II.
Zelenskyy has said Kyiv has not received any formal request from Moscow regarding the implementation details of its proposed truce.