From the Liveblog of
Monday, May 4, 2026
Putin said to declare May 8-9 ceasefire with Ukraine, threatens massive strike if attacked
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Russian President Vladimir Putin declares a two-day ceasefire in the conflict with Ukraine on May 8-9 to mark the anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II, Russia’s Defense Ministry says.
The ministry adds that it counts on the Ukrainian side to follow suit and that Russia will launch a massive retaliatory missile strike on the center of Kyiv if Ukraine attempts to disrupt Victory Day celebrations.
“Despite the capabilities at our disposal, Russia has previously refrained from such actions on humanitarian grounds,” it says in a statement, adding however that it is ready to act if the ceasefire is not respected.
“We are warning the civilian population of Kyiv and staff at foreign diplomatic missions of the need to leave the city in a timely manner,” it says.
The Times of Israel Community.