The declaration, issued in accordance with an order by President Vladimir Putin as Supreme Commander-in-Chief, frames the temporary halt in hostilities as a measure to mark Victory Day, commemorating the Soviet Union’s defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. The ministry stated that Russian forces would observe the ceasefire during the commemorations and expressed expectation that Ukraine would reciprocate.

"The ceasefire has been declared to honor the historic victory of the Soviet people in the Great Patriotic War,” the ministry said in its official statement, adding that all necessary steps would be taken to ensure the safety and security of public events across Russia during the anniversary.

Russian officials emphasized that despite the pause, military readiness would remain high. According to the Defense Ministry, forces have been instructed to maintain defensive positions and ensure that any potential threats to Victory Day events are neutralized.

At a press briefing in Moscow, Defense Ministry spokesperson Lieutenant General Igor Konashenkov said, "Our armed forces will strictly observe the ceasefire, but they retain full operational capability to respond immediately to any provocation or escalation.”

The ministry also cited statements attributed to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky regarding potential disruptions to Russian celebrations, describing them as "threats” that necessitate precautionary measures.

The statement included a direct warning regarding possible retaliation. It said that if Ukrainian forces attempt to strike Moscow or disrupt Victory Day events, Russia would respond with what it described as a "massive missile strike” targeting central Kyiv.

"We warn the civilian population of Kyiv and employees of foreign diplomatic missions about the need to leave the city in a timely manner,” the statement said, indicating that such action would follow any confirmed attack during the commemorative period.

Russian officials also asserted that Moscow has so far refrained from targeting central Kyiv despite having the capability to do so, citing humanitarian considerations.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has proposed an alternative ceasefire timeline, suggesting a pause in fighting beginning earlier, on the night of May 5–6. Ukrainian officials have not formally accepted the May 8–9 timeline put forward by Moscow.

A senior Ukrainian government official, speaking to Diplomat News Network on condition of attribution, said, "Kyiv supports any genuine effort to reduce hostilities, but ceasefires must not be symbolic or tied solely to political events.”

Residents in Kyiv reported heightened concern following the Russian warning. Andriy Mykhailo, a shop owner in the city center, told Diplomat News Network, "People are anxious whenever such statements are made. There is uncertainty about whether this is a real pause or a prelude to escalation.”

Victory Day holds deep political and historical significance in Russia, often marked by large-scale military parades and public ceremonies. Since the start of the conflict in Ukraine in 2022, the event has also taken on increased geopolitical weight, serving as a platform for demonstrating military strength and national unity.

Previous attempts at temporary ceasefires in the conflict have frequently collapsed amid mutual accusations of violations. Analysts note that short-term pauses tied to symbolic dates have rarely translated into sustained de-escalation.

Dmytro Oleksiy, a Moscow-based political analyst, said, "This ceasefire is primarily symbolic, but it also reflects Moscow’s intent to control the narrative around Victory Day. The warning to Kyiv signals deterrence as much as it does risk.”

The explicit warning to civilians and foreign missions in Kyiv adds a layer of urgency for diplomatic communities operating in the Ukrainian capital. Several embassies have not yet publicly commented on whether they will adjust operations during the specified dates.

The development underscores the continued volatility of the conflict and the challenges of establishing trust between the two sides. The parallel ceasefire proposals highlight ongoing differences in timing, intent, and conditions.

The situation remains fluid as both sides weigh military considerations alongside symbolic and political priorities tied to key national observances.