May 7, 2026
Russia's unilateral ceasefire takes effect as Moscow threatens missile strike on Kyiv if Ukraine disrupts May 9 celebrations
Russia’s unilateral ceasefire in the war against Ukraine took effect at midnight on May 8. The Russian Defense Ministry had announced the halt in fighting would last until May 10.
TL;DR
- Russia declared a unilateral ceasefire from May 8 to May 10.
- The ceasefire involved halting combat operations along the front line and strikes deep inside Ukraine.
- Russia called on Kyiv to observe the ceasefire, but Ukraine did not respond.
- Ukraine had announced its own truce starting earlier, at midnight on May 6.
- Fighting continued despite the announced ceasefires, with both sides accusing each other of violations.
- Russia threatened a massive missile strike on the center of Kyiv if Ukraine attempted to disrupt May 9 celebrations.