A ceasefire in the “special operations zone,” which was announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin and coincides with the Victory Day anniversary, came into force on Thursday at 12am Moscow time. It will last three days, until Sunday at 12am Moscow time.
During this time, Russia will temporarily stop all military operations, but its fighter jets are ready to repel attacks if Ukraine decides to violate the ceasefire.
On April 28, Putin announced a new ceasefire on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of Victory Day. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, however, rejected the proposal to declare a ceasefire during the anniversary celebrations, and noted that a 30-day ceasefire should be established without waiting for May 8. In addition, the Ukrainian leader hinted at plans to attack the Victory Day military parade in Moscow on Friday, May 9.