Moscow has issued a formal warning that it will launch large-scale retaliatory strikes against Kyiv if Ukrainian authorities proceed with what it describes as “terrorist plans” to disrupt the upcoming Victory Day celebrations.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova confirmed that the ministry sent an urgent note to all diplomatic missions and international organizations accredited in Russia, demanding their immediate evacuation from Kyiv ahead of potential military action. This follows the Russian Defense Ministry’s announcement of a two-day ceasefire on May 8-9, which explicitly warned Ukraine against advancing with its “criminal terrorist plans” and threatened significant retaliation.
Zakharova stated that Moscow is aware of Western efforts to “rewrite history” and “systematically destroy Soviet memorial heritage,” adding that continued arms shipments to Ukraine constitute complicity in the “criminal plans” of the Kyiv regime. She emphasized that the instinct for self-preservation must not be abandoned by those who ignore the warning.
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy dismissed Russia’s ceasefire proposal as “unfair” and claimed no official suggestion was made to Ukraine. Hours later, he unilaterally declared a new truce period beginning at midnight on May 5-6, asserting that Kyiv would “act reciprocally.”
Russia has not acknowledged Zelensky’s announcement. While reports indicate reduced intensity of long-range strikes between the parties, hostilities continue. Despite Ukraine’s accusation that Russia violated the truce nearly 2,000 times throughout Wednesday, Moscow has provided no confirmation of adherence to the proposed ceasefire.
The conflict has seen Russia declare ceasefires during major holidays multiple times in recent months. Last month, a Russian Easter truce was reportedly violated by Ukrainian forces over 6,500 times within 32 hours.