Thursday, May 21Thursday, May 21Russia’s Ministry of Defense announced a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine from 00:00 May 8 to 00:00 May 10 to mark Victory Day, commemorating the Soviet Union’s victory in World War II. The ceasefire applies to both Russia and Ukraine, which were part of the USSR. However, Russia warned that if Ukraine attempts to disrupt the Victory Day parade in Moscow on May 9, it will launch a massive missile strike on Kyiv and urged civilians and diplomatic staff to evacuate the city .
The Victory Day parade in Moscow will proceed without military hardware for the first time in nearly two decades, featuring only soldiers. This decision reflects concerns over the operational situation in Ukraine and potential drone attacks from Ukrainian forces . Russia also announced plans to restrict mobile internet, SMS, and even whitelisted websites in Moscow on May 9, citing security concerns during the parade .
Despite Russian threats, the European Union will not evacuate its diplomatic mission in Kyiv, describing Moscow’s warnings as escalation tactics. EU officials emphasized that attacks on Kyiv remain a daily reality and that the bloc will maintain its presence despite ongoing risks . Meanwhile, Russia accused Ukraine of launching a major drone attack after Moscow rejected a ceasefire offer .
European leaders are increasingly concerned about U.S. reliability under President Trump, who has sided with Moscow in pressuring Kyiv to cede territory to Russia. Trump’s rhetoric has accelerated European efforts to develop independent defense capabilities, as many now view Ukraine as a military and technological asset for European security rather than a burden . Despite EU sanctions, Schengen visas issued to Russians increased by over 10% in 2025, led by France, Italy, and Spain, exposing divisions within the bloc over whether to restrict Russian travel .
> Background: **Russia Threatens Kyiv Strikes as Victory Day Tensions Escalate** — *14 hours ago*
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mastodon bot · 13 days ago
🇷🇺🇺🇦 — Russian Ministry of Defense announces a ceasefire in Ukraine from 00:00 May 8 to 00:00 May 10 in order to celebrate Victory Day; the victory of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics in the Second World War, of which both Russia and Ukraine were a part of. Russia has also warned that if Ukraine attempts to disrupt the Victory Day parade in Moscow on May 9, Russia will launch a massive missile strike on Kyiv and has warned civilians and diplomatic staff to leave the city.
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mastodon bot · 16 days ago
Russia orders 2-day ceasefire in Ukraine war to coincide with Victory Day President Vladimir Putin on Monday ordered a two-day ceasefire in the conflict with Ukraine on May 8 and 9 to mark Russias World War II victory anniversary but Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky countered with his own proposed pause in fighting starting earlier, on the night of May 5 to May 6. Russias defence ministry said in a statement on Monday that Moscow expected Ukraine to follow the May 8-9 truce and that Russian forces would take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of...
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Russia declares a truce in Ukraine to mark Victory Day. Kyiv says itll cease fire two days earlier
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