The Russian Defense Ministry and the Kremlin announced on Thursday that Moscow will institute a truce in its war with Ukraine starting at midnight on May 8 until May 10, commemorating the victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, according to Reuters.
“On the occasion of the celebration of the 81st anniversary of the victory of the Soviet people in the Great War for the Defense of the Fatherland, the Russian side declares a truce starting from midnight on May 8 until May 10,” the ministry said in a message published on Telegram.
“Yes, we are talking about May 8 and 9,” answered a spokesman for the Russian presidency, Dmitry Peskov, when asked about this in a press briefing, according to AFP.
Russian President Vladimir Putin had announced on Monday that a two-day truce would be observed.
Following Moscow's announcement of this truce, Kiev announced its own truce, starting Wednesday, and accused Moscow of rejecting it and continuing its attacks in Ukraine.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Thursday that the “Regiment of the Immortals” march, traditionally held on May 9 in Moscow and meant to commemorate Russians who fought in World War II, will not take place in the Russian capital this year.
This time, the event in Moscow will be held in a “digital” format, Dmitry Peskov said.
The spokeswoman of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, spoke about the possibility of a large-scale attack by Russian forces on the Ukrainian capital, “including decision-making centers”, in the event that Ukraine attacks Moscow on Victory Day.
Recently, in Yerevan, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the Ukrainian army could target the May 9 parade in Moscow.
