Milan, 4 May (LaPresse) – Moscow has announced a ceasefire for 8 and 9 May to mark Victory Day, a public holiday in Russia celebrating the victory over Nazi Germany in the Second World War. In its announcement, the Russian Ministry of Defence stated that the decision was made by President Vladimir Putin. ‘In accordance with the decision of the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, V.V. Putin, a ceasefire has been declared for 8 and 9 May 2026, to mark the celebration of the Soviet people’s victory in the Great Patriotic War,’ the ministry said, as reported by Russian news agencies. ‘We hope that the Ukrainian side will follow this example,’ added the Russian Ministry of Defence.