On May 4 local time, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced that, in commemoration of the Soviet people's victory in the Great Patriotic War, Russia would observe a ceasefire on May 8 and 9.
The Russian Defense Ministry emphasized that if Ukraine attempts to disrupt the celebrations marking Victory Day, the Russian Armed Forces would strike downtown Kyiv. In response, the Russian Defense Ministry urged civilians in Kyiv and foreign diplomatic personnel to evacuate the city promptly.
On the same day, at the 8th European Political Community Summit held in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, Zelenskyy stated that Russia planned to hold a Red Square military parade on May 9, and hinted that Ukrainian drones “might appear over the parade site” on that day.
Russia’s unilateral ceasefire is aimed at projecting an image of “desire for peace”; meanwhile, the warning of strikes on Kyiv serves to pre-designate Ukraine as a potential “disruptor of festivities,” thereby securing a favorable position in public opinion ahead of any further escalation.
The threat—responding to an attack on its capital by threatening to destroy the enemy’s capital—reflects deep anxiety within Russia regarding its own national security, and illustrates an attempt to deter Ukrainian attacks through the threat of “doubled retaliation.”
Ukraine firmly rejected this move. Zelenskyy openly called it “dishonest,” accusing Russia of killing people on the front lines while simultaneously demanding a temporary ceasefire.
This marks the first time Russia has explicitly specified in an official ceasefire statement both the “timing of retaliation” (should Ukraine act) and the “target location” (downtown Kyiv). The condition is clear: Ukraine must not conduct any military strikes against Russia’s parade. Otherwise, Russia will carry out retaliatory strikes at the designated time and location in Kyiv—and has already warned foreign missions and personnel accordingly.
Will Zelenskyy dare to act rashly? It’s really hard to say.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1864293327173644/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.