Ukraine announced it will implement a unilateral ceasefire starting at 00:00 local time on May 5–6 (2100 GMT May 5), preceding Russia's declared pause in hostilities from May 8 to 9 for Victory Day. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated the move was not in response to any formal request from Moscow, which has not issued an official appeal outlining coordination for a joint truce.

Zelenskyy emphasized humanitarian grounds for the ceasefire, saying "human life is far more valuable than any anniversary 'celebration'," and criticized Russian leadership for prioritizing the Victory Day parade over peace. He noted that Russia's Defence Ministry had acknowledged it could not hold the parade without Ukraine's de facto cooperation, implying Kyiv holds leverage.

Russia declared its ceasefire for May 8–9 would mark the 81st anniversary of the Soviet victory in the Great Patriotic War, following a presidential order from Vladimir Putin. The Defence Ministry warned that any attempt by Ukraine to disrupt the commemorations would trigger a "retaliatory, massive missile strike on the centre of Kiev." The statements indicate no synchronized ceasefire framework exists between the warring parties.

The separate announcements underscore the lack of diplomatic coordination between Kyiv and Moscow, even on limited truces. Ukraine's ceasefire will begin three days before Russia's, and there is no indication of mutual monitoring or verification mechanisms. The court will resume hearing on Tuesday.