Russia declares ceasefire with Ukraine May 8-10 to mark World War II anniversary

Russia's defense ministry said on Thursday that Moscow had declared a ceasefire in the conflict with Ukraine from midnight on May 8 until May 10 to mark the anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War Two.

Reuters

7 May 2026 at 16:36:26

Russia declares ceasefire with Ukraine May 8-10 to mark World War II anniversary

Rescuers work at a site of a Russian air strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine May 5, 2026. Picture taken with a mobile phone.

Serhii Chalyi/Reuters

MOSCOW - Russia's defence ministry said on Thursday that Moscow had declared a ceasefire in the conflict with Ukraine from midnight on May 8 until May 10 to mark the anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War Two.

"During the celebration of the 81st anniversary of the Soviet people's victory in the Great Patriotic War, from midnight on May 8 to May 10, the Russian side is declaring a ceasefire," the ministry said on Telegram.

Russian President Vladimir Putin had on Monday declared a two-day ceasefire would be observed.

- Reuters; Editing by Alex Richardson/Reuters