Ukraine will observe a ceasefire with Russia starting May 6, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Monday, amid ongoing tensions between the two countries.
Zelensky said the truce would take effect at midnight between May 5 and 6 (2100 GMT), noting that Ukraine was taking the step independently following reports of a unilateral ceasefire declaration by Moscow ahead of Russia’s May 9 holiday commemorations.
“As of today, there has been no official appeal to Ukraine regarding the modality of a cessation of hostilities that is being claimed on Russian social media,” Zelensky said in a post on X.
He added that the time leading up to the ceasefire provided an opportunity for both sides to ensure a halt in hostilities.
The announcement comes as both nations continue to navigate a prolonged conflict, with intermittent efforts at de-escalation often complicated by a lack of coordinated agreements.
While Russia had earlier indicated a temporary truce, Kyiv’s move signals an attempt to formalize a pause in fighting, even in the absence of direct bilateral arrangements.
Observers say the effectiveness of the ceasefire will depend on mutual compliance and clear communication between both sides, which have remained limited throughout the conflict.
