Zelensky Says Kyiv Will Respond Symmetrically During Putin’s Victory Day Ceasefire

During the ceasefire announced by Moscow for May 8 and 9, Kyiv intends to act "symmetrically,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated while commenting on the proposed truce surrounding Russia's Victory Day celebrations.

"In response to Russian strikes, we will use our long-range capabilities, and in response to Russia's readiness to move toward diplomacy, we will follow the path of diplomacy,” Zelensky declared.

The Ukrainian leader stressed that Kyiv hopes for a swift end to the conflict and is prepared to take certain steps to achieve that goal. At the same time, Zelensky previously noted that Ukraine would make a final decision regarding its plans one day before the holiday in Russia, on May 8.

Russia Confirmed the Dates of the Ceasefire

The Russian Ministry of Defense first announced the proposed ceasefire for the holiday period on May 4. In response, Ukrainian authorities declared their own "silence regime” beginning earlier, from midnight on May 6. However, the Ukrainian initiative was not coordinated with Moscow.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov later confirmed that the ceasefire announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin would remain in force for two days exactly as originally planned.

"Yes, we are talking about the 8th and 9th — May 8 and May 9,” Peskov clarified.

According to the Kremlin representative, Moscow intends to observe the temporary truce during the Victory Day commemorations.

Peskov also added that the Kremlin had not issued any formal response to Zelensky's earlier statement regarding a "silence regime” beginning on May 6.

Moscow Warns Kyiv Against Possible Provocations

Russian officials also warned Ukraine against any attempts to disrupt Victory Day celebrations in Moscow.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that Kyiv could face a large-scale retaliatory strike if Ukrainian forces attempted to carry out threats connected to a possible attack on Red Square during the May 9 events.

"Kyiv could be subjected to a retaliatory massive missile strike if the Kyiv regime attempts to implement its criminal plans aimed at disrupting the celebrations marking the 81st anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War,” Zakharova warned.

She also addressed civilians in Ukraine as well as foreign diplomats currently located in the country, urging them to pay close attention to the recent warning issued by the Russian Defense Ministry and to leave Kyiv in a timely manner if necessary.

Dispute Over Silence Regime

Zakharova additionally argued that Zelensky never genuinely intended to implement a real ceasefire during May 5-6 and suggested that the Ukrainian statement was primarily designed to overshadow Russia's own initiative.

The exchange of statements between Moscow and Kyiv highlights the continued lack of trust between the two sides, even during discussions surrounding temporary pauses in hostilities.

Despite the public declarations about diplomacy and ceasefire measures, tensions remain extremely high ahead of Victory Day celebrations, which carry major political and symbolic significance for Russia.