On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a two-day ceasefire, shortly after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a pause in hostilities set to commence on May 5. Although both leaders made their announcements independently and framed them differently, both were linked to the 81st Victory Day celebrations, which commemorate the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in 1945.

Victory Day marks the conclusion of World War II and honors the Allied Forces’ triumph in 1945. Adolf Hitler, who was the Chancellor of Germany, took his own life on April 30, 1945. German forces surrendered on May 7, with the surrender being officially accepted the following day. The new order came into effect on May 9.

Putin initially broached the idea of a ceasefire during a conversation with US President Donald Trump. Subsequently, the Russian Ministry of Defense officially announced a truce for May 8 and 9 via Telegram, urging Ukraine to reciprocate.

The announcement included a stern warning: any attempts by Ukraine to disrupt the Victory Day festivities would result in a massive missile strike targeting central Kyiv. Additionally, the ministry advised both residents of Kyiv and foreign diplomats to evacuate the city.

Russia’s request for a ceasefire coincided with a significant alteration in its Victory Day plans, as military equipment will not be showcased in the traditional parade for the first time in years, a move attributed to concerns over potential Ukrainian drone attacks.

In recent weeks, Ukraine has intensified its strikes within Russian territory, including a drone strike that targeted a building in Moscow on Monday, while authorities intercepted 14 other drones on the same day.

Zelenskyy highlighted the significance of Russia’s decision to omit military displays, suggesting that Moscow can no longer afford to showcase its military capabilities due to fears of drone strikes over Red Square.

As of now, there has been no formal request from Russia concerning the specifics of a cessation of hostilities, contrary to claims circulating on Russian social media. Zelenskyy asserted that the value of human life outweighs any commemorative events, emphasizing the need for a sincere end to the conflict.

Zelenskyy made the announcement regarding Ukraine’s ceasefire from Armenia, where he was participating in a European Political Community summit. He stated that Ukraine would observe a moment of silence beginning at midnight on May 5, framing this decision as a testament to the importance of human life over commemorative occasions.

He criticized Russia for disregarding Ukraine’s repeated calls for a permanent ceasefire and previously dismissed Russian proposals for a truce as insincere. He did not specify the duration of Ukraine’s ceasefire, indicating that actions would be taken in a reciprocal manner.

Both nations enter this temporary pause with skepticism. A ceasefire intended for Orthodox Easter in the previous month collapsed, with both sides attributing blame for violations.

Ukraine has expressed a desire for a long-term resolution rather than a brief halt in fighting, maintaining military pressure on Russian territory leading up to the announced ceasefire.

The contrasting announcements reveal the distinct pressures faced by each government at this juncture in the conflict. For Russia, the ceasefire offers a safeguard for its most important national commemoration, especially as the risk of Ukrainian drone strikes has become increasingly apparent. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s decision to declare its own pause, on its own terms and prior to Russia’s official announcement, allows it to shape the narrative around the truce while asserting its position as the party advocating for a lasting solution.

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