Kathmandu. Russia’s Defense Ministry has announced a two-day ceasefire in Ukraine from May 8 to 9 to mark the 81st anniversary of the end of World War II.

In a statement, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a ceasefire on May 8-9, 2026, to celebrate the victory of the Soviet people in World War I.

“If the Kyiv administration attempts to carry out criminal acts aimed at disrupting the celebrations of the 81st anniversary of the victory of the world war, the Russian armed forces will launch a retaliatory attack on the center of Kyiv,” the statement said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced that Ukraine will start a separate ceasefire from the midnight of May 5 to 6. He said that silence and peace and security will be ensured during this period.

In Russia, Victory Day is celebrated on May 9 to commemorate the millions of people who died in World War II.