Separate Ceasefires Announced by Russia and Ukraine for Victory Day
In a notable development, Russia has declared a ceasefire coinciding with World War II Victory Day celebrations, while Ukraine has also indicated a willingness to pause hostilities.
Russia has announced a ceasefire that will take place from May 8 to 9, aligning with the World War II Victory Day celebrations. This announcement comes amid ongoing tensions and military actions in the region.
Ukraine has similarly expressed a desire for a truce, although it has previously claimed that its offers have been overlooked by Moscow. The situation remains fluid, with both sides still engaged in military operations.
Additionally, U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated that a broader three-day ceasefire, starting May 9, has been agreed upon by both Russia and Ukraine. This ceasefire is expected to include a prisoner swap, although details remain uncertain.
Updates
Update at 09:16 UTC on 2026-05-08
DW News reported Russia had declared a unilateral ceasefire for World War II commemorations, but Ukraine said Moscow has not held off. Both sides reported new strikes. A Victory Day parade in Moscow will be more subdued this year. France 24 reported Russia and Ukraine are accusing each other of violating a two-day ceasefire announced by Moscow to cover the celebrations of the Soviet Union's victory over ​Nazi Germany. Ukraine's air force said it downed 56 Russian drones close to the fr.
Sources: DW News, France 24
Update at 10:23 UTC on 2026-05-08
BBC World reported The two sides report responding to hundreds of drone attacks, just hours into a truce to cover celebrations of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany.
Sources: BBC World
Update at 18:52 UTC on 2026-05-08
France 24 reported US President Donald Trump on Friday announced a three-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, starting on May 9. Aside from a pause in the fighting, the two warring sides will also engage in a prisoner swap, with 1,000 prisoners from each. Financial Times reported US president says Putin and Zelenskyy agreed to request for cessation beginning May 9. DW News reported The US president said both sides had agreed to halt fighting from May 9 to 11 and to exchange 1,000 prisoners each. The announcement comes as both sides reported new strikes. Follow DW for more. Additional matching coverage came from 2 more sources.
Sources: France 24, Financial Times, DW News, Le Monde, EuroNews