Russia: Russia has declared a two-day ceasefire with Ukraine to take place on May 8 and 9, as per the Russian President's decision. "In accordance with the decision of Russian supreme commander-in-chief Vladimir Putin, a ceasefire is declared on May 8-9, 2026, in honor of the celebration of the Soviet people's victory in the Great Patriotic War," the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement, Monday.
According to Qatar News Agency, the Ministry pointed out that if Ukraine tries to disrupt Russia's Victory Day celebrations, the Russian Army would deliver a strike targeting downtown Kyiv.
The declaration of the ceasefire is seen as a significant gesture amidst ongoing tensions between the two nations. However, the conditional warning attached to the truce has raised concerns about potential escalations if the terms are violated.