Russia announces two-day ceasefire for Victory Day amid tensions

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a unilateral two-day ceasefire on May 8 and 9 to commemorate the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that the decision was made by the supreme commander and warned of massive retaliatory missile strikes on central Kyiv if Ukraine attempts to disrupt the commemorative events. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has dismissed potential ceasefire proposals, noting that Kyiv has not received formal offers and characterizing suggestions of short-term truces as unserious. Reports indicate that the upcoming Victory Day parade in Moscow will be held without military equipment for the first time in many years. Additionally, there are reports regarding the possibility of Ukrainian drone activity reaching Moscow during the celebrations. The situation remains volatile as both sides exchange warnings and maintain conflicting positions on the legitimacy and duration of proposed truces.