Russia claimed it intercepted nearly 350 Ukrainian drones overnight as tensions escalated ahead of Moscow’s World War II Victory Day celebrations, with both sides accusing each other of ignoring ceasefire proposals

According to the statement, the decision was taken by President Vladimir Putin, declaring that "a ceasefire is declared on 8-9 May 2026 in honour of the celebration of the Victory of the Soviet people in the Great Patriotic War." Moscow added, "We expect the Ukrainian side to follow this example"