Zelensky Accuses Russia of Violating Self-Declared Ceasefire, Signals Possible ‘Mirror Response’ During Moscow Parade

Zelensky said he would determine Ukraine’s next steps after receiving evening reports from the military and intelligence services. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky waits to welcome Swedish king in Lviv on April 17, 2026, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (Photo by YURIY DYACHYSHYN / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of violating a unilateral “silence regime” declared by Kyiv, saying Moscow continues intensive combat operations despite calls to pause hostilities. Zelensky said Russian forces carried out 1,820 attacks since the start of the day. “Russia’s choice is a clear refusal of silence and the preservation of lives,” he wrote on social media . Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . He also warned that Ukraine may respond “mirror-like” during Russia’s Victory Day events in Moscow, referring to what he called repeated Russian messaging through media and social platforms urging a pause in fighting during the parade. “For any normal person, a full-scale war and daily killings are not a time for public celebrations,” he said. Zelensky said he would determine Ukraine’s next steps after receiving evening reports from the military and intelligence services. Russia’s Defense Ministry announced that President Vladimir Putin had ordered a unilateral ceasefire on May 8–9 , timed to coincide with Russia’s Victory Day celebrations. Moscow made the declaration without coordination with Kyiv and warned that any disruption of the commemorations could trigger a “massive” strike on Kyiv. Putin’s spokesman Peskov said the pause in hostilities “will be implemented” regardless of Kyiv’s response, adding that “a response is not, in fact, required.” Other Topics of Interest Russian Military Cadets Reportedly Tasked With Guarding Oil Infrastructure as Drone Attacks Escalate The ATESH movement said its sources among cadets at the Penza Artillery Institute report that students are being assigned to mobile units responsible for protecting energy sites across Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected the proposal, calling it “not serious,” describing it as a “theatrical performance” and “manipulation” intended to protect the Victory Day parade rather than advance peace efforts. In response, he announced Ukraine would implement its own unilateral “regime of silence” starting May 6, adding that Ukraine would act in a “ mirror-like manner ” if the truce is violated by the Russian side.  However, Russia continued attacks overnight and into the morning of May 6, effectively breaking the proposed pause in fighting. Meanwhile, Russia’s Victory Day parade is expected to be scaled down this year. For the first time since 2007, no columns of heavy military equipment are expected to roll across Red Square. Instead, the parade will feature infantry units, aviation teams, and Su-25 attack aircraft, but no tanks, armored vehicles, or other heavy hardware. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed the parade will proceed in a “reduced format,” citing the “operational situation” and what Moscow describes as a continuing terrorist threat from Kyiv. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization since 1995. Its international market reach of 97% outside of Ukraine makes it truly Ukraine’s Global – and most reliable – Voice.