On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a two-day ceasefire in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, scheduled for May 8-9, to commemorate the anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II, according to Russia’s Defence Ministry.
The ministry expressed its expectation that Ukraine would reciprocate and warned that Russia would execute a substantial missile strike on Kyiv if Ukraine interfered with Victory Day events.
“Despite the resources available to us, Russia has previously abstained from such actions due to humanitarian considerations,” the statement noted, adding that it would be prepared to respond if the ceasefire were violated.
“We caution the Kyiv civilian population and personnel at foreign diplomatic missions to vacate the city promptly,” it stated.
Also Read | Putin, Trump hold 90-minute call on Iran, Ukraine; discuss ceasefire and closer economic ties
