A ceasefire has gone into effect in Ukraine: what is known about the ceasefire from May 6 to May 9
6 May 00:16
Today, May 6, 2026, a ceasefire announced by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy went into effect in Ukraine. It began at midnight on the night of May 5–6, following Russia’s announcements of a so-called “ceasefire” for May 8–9. Ukraine stated that it is ready to respond in kind and expects Moscow to take concrete steps to cease hostilities, reports "Komersant Ukrainian"
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the introduction of the ceasefire as early as May 4. According to him, Ukraine had not received any official communication regarding the conditions for ceasing hostilities, as claimed by Russian sources. At the same time, Kyiv had announced the ceasefire earlier—effective May 6.
When the ceasefire began
The ceasefire in Ukraine took effect:
at 12:00 a.m. on the night of May 5–6, 2026
In fact, it began today, May 6. Ukraine stated that it is ready to observe the ceasefire and act in kind from that moment on.
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What Zelenskyy said
The President emphasized that Ukraine has not received an official request from Russia regarding the terms for ceasing hostilities, despite statements circulating in the Russian media.
“To date, there has been no official request to Ukraine regarding the terms for ceasing hostilities, as claimed on Russian social media. We believe that human life is of incomparably greater value than the ‘celebration’ of any anniversary. In this regard, we are announcing a ceasefire, effective at 00:00 on the night of May 5–6,” Zelenskyy stated.
Zelenskyy also emphasized that there was sufficient time before the start of the ceasefire to effectively ensure a cessation of hostilities.
“We will respond in kind starting at that moment. The time has come for Russian leaders to take real steps to end their war,” the president stressed.
Why Ukraine announced the ceasefire starting May 6
Ukraine’s decision was a response to Russia’s statements about a unilateral “ceasefire” on May 8–9. Moscow linked it to the dates of its celebrations, but Kyiv proposed starting the ceasefire earlier—on May 6.
In this way, Ukraine is effectively testing whether Russia is ready not only to make public statements but also to actually cease fire. Ukrainian media reports also note that the ceasefire starting May 6 was declared in response to Russian statements and threats related to the parade in Moscow.
How long is the ceasefire supposed to last?
Russia announced its “ceasefire” for May 8–9. Ukraine, however, declared a ceasefire starting May 6 and stated its readiness to reciprocate. Public statements emphasize the period up to May 9, but Russia’s behavior on the battlefield remains the key condition.
In other words, the ceasefire directly depends on whether Russia will adhere to it. Ukraine’s position is that the ceasefire must be real, not merely declarative.
What does “respond in kind” mean?
The phrase “to act in kind” means that Ukraine is ready to observe the ceasefire if Russia does so as well. If, however, Russian troops continue shelling or attacks, Ukraine reserves the right to respond as the situation warrants.
This is an important nuance, as previous statements by the Russian Federation regarding a “ceasefire” have repeatedly been accompanied by shelling and violations of the ceasefire.
During the Easter ceasefire, Russia violated it more than 2,000 times.
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