Russia orders ceasefire in Ukraine war on May 8 and 9 to coincide with Victory Day

Russia has ordered a two-day ceasefire in the war against Ukraine to coincide with Victory Day, which marks the anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War 2.

The Russian Ministry of Defence announced on Monday that this would apply on May 8 and 9, following an order from President Vladimir Putin, adding that Moscow expects the Ukrainian side to observe the truce.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine will observe its own truce with Russia on May 5 and 6.

Zelensky had earlier told journalists that Kyiv had not received any official proposals for a possible ceasefire over the period.

Putin and US President Donald Trump had discussed a possible ceasefire over the holiday during a telephone call at the end of April, according to both sides.

Zelensky subsequently sought clarification from the United States on the details of the discussion, reiterating that Ukraine supports a lasting ceasefire and a peace settlement backed by security guarantees.