Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared a two-day ceasefire in the conflict with Ukraine on May 8-9 to coincide with Victory Day commemorations marking the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II, Russia's defence ministry says.
The ministry added that it counted on the Ukrainian side to follow suit and that Russia would launch a massive retaliatory missile strike on the centre of Kyiv if Ukraine attempted to disrupt Victory Day celebrations in Moscow.
"Despite the capabilities at our disposal, Russia has previously refrained from such actions on humanitarian grounds," it said in a statement, adding however that it was ready to act if the ceasefire was not respected.
"We are warning the civilian population of Kyiv and staff at foreign diplomatic missions of the need to leave the city in a timely manner," it said.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy replied by saying Ukraine would implement a ceasefire from midnight on Wednesday.
"We believe that human life is far more valuable than any anniversary 'celebration'," Zelenskiy said in a post announcing the ceasefire on X.
"In this regard, we are announcing a ceasefire regime starting at 00:00 on the night of May 5-6."
"It is time for Russian leaders to take real steps to end their war," he added.
The Kremlin has previously said a possible truce, discussed by the Russian and US presidents, would cover May 9 - which is celebrated with a military parade.
with DPA