Zelenskyy says Ukraine to declare ceasefire from 6 May

Ukraine will introduce a ceasefire starting from the night of 5–6 May, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said, in response to Moscow’s proposed “Victory Day truce”.

Zelenskyy said the initiative comes amid Russia’s announcement of a temporary halt in hostilities around 8–9 May.

“Human life is infinitely more valuable than any anniversary celebrations. In this regard, we are declaring a ceasefire from 00:00 on the night of 5–6 May,” he said.

He also noted that, as of now, Ukraine has not received any official request from Russia regarding a cessation of hostilities.

Separately, Russian President Vladimir Putin had previously announced a ceasefire in Ukraine for the period of 8–9 May.

Russia’s Defence Ministry, however, warned that if Ukraine attempts to target Moscow during the May 9 commemorations, Russian forces would respond with what it described as a “massive retaliatory missile strike on the centre of Kyiv”.