Kyiv, May 5 -- Russia's Defence Ministry said it will observe a two-day ceasefire in Ukraine from May 8 to 9 to mark the 81st anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe, while cautioning that any disruption to Victory Day commemorations by Ukraine would prompt a response.

According to the statement, the decision was taken by President Vladimir Putin, declaring that "a ceasefire is declared on 8-9 May 2026 in honour of the celebration of the Victory of the Soviet people in the Great Patriotic War." Moscow added, "We expect the Ukrainian side to follow this example."

"Should the Kiev regime attempt to carry out its criminal plans aimed at disrupting the celebration of the 81st anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, t...