Russia declares a truce in Ukraine to mark Victory Day. Kyiv says it'll cease fire two days earlier
AP News • • nation
Key Points:
- Russia’s Defense Ministry announced a unilateral ceasefire in Ukraine for Friday and Saturday to mark the 81st anniversary of Victory Day, warning of a "massive missile strike" on Kyiv if Ukraine disrupts the celebrations.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared a truce starting at midnight Wednesday without specifying an end date, pledging to respond reciprocally to Russia’s actions.
- The Victory Day military parade in Moscow will be scaled down, excluding tanks and missiles for the first time in nearly 20 years, amid concerns over potential Ukrainian drone attacks.
- Zelenskyy highlighted Russia’s fear of drone attacks over Red Square as a sign of Kremlin weakness and called for continued pressure through sanctions.
- Russian authorities have implemented cellphone internet restrictions in Moscow and St. Petersburg to prevent Ukrainian drone strikes during the holiday period.
