Russia and Ukraine: Clashing Ceasefire Announcements in May

Russia announced a unilateral ceasefire in Ukraine on May 8th and 9th, citing Victory Day commemorations. It warned of a "massive missile strike" on Kyiv if Ukrainian forces violated it.

Ukraine responded with its own unilateral ceasefire from midnight on May 5th to midnight on May 6th. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated it was not serious to expect a ceasefire for Russian celebrations.

The Russian Ministry of Defense, via the MAX platform, stated the ceasefire was declared following a decision by Vladimir Putin. It warned Kyiv civilians and foreign diplomatic missions to leave the city.

Zelenskyy stated there had been no official request from Russia to cease hostilities and announced the Ukrainian ceasefire.

Meanwhile, a Russian missile strike killed seven civilians in the city of Merefa, near Kharkiv. Also, a drone strike killed a couple in a community in the south.

Ukraine has been fighting against the Russian invasion for over four years, with the Kharkiv region frequently targeted.