Victory Day ceasefire set to go ahead at midnight – Moscow
The Russian Defense Ministry has provided more details on the two-day ceasefire on May 8–9, reiterating warnings that any attempt by Ukraine to disrupt the upcoming Victory Day parade in Moscow would result in a large-scale retaliatory strike on central Kiev.
During the period, the Russian forces will cease all operations on the front line, as well as halt long-range strikes into Ukrainian territory, the ministry said in a statement on Thursday, urging Ukraine to follow suit. Any attempts to violate the truce on the ground or conduct strikes beyond the frontline will be met with an “adequate response,” the ministry warned.
The ministry repeated the call for foreign diplomats to evacuate the Ukrainian capital ahead of a potential attack.
“We once again urge the civilian population of Kiev and employees of foreign diplomatic missions to leave the city in a timely manner,” it added.
It remains unclear whether Ukraine will actually abide by the Moscow-offered truce. Vladimir Zelensky initially branded the two-day ceasefire “unfair” when it was first announced early this week, and claimed that “no one officially suggested anything” to Kiev. Shortly thereafter, however, he announced a truce of his own starting at midnight on the night of May 5–6, yet Moscow did not respond publicly to the proposal.
While media reports indicated the fighting and long-range strikes on both sides have somewhat subsided following the announcement, the Ukrainian leadership has complained about the continuing attacks.
On Thursday, Zelensky accused Russia of “not seriously considering the possibility of a ceasefire.” Shortly after the Russian Defense Ministry’s announcement, he appeared to issue a thinly veiled threat to Moscow, stating he would not “recommend” that foreign dignitaries show up at the parade.
