UN Hails Ukraine, Russia Ceasefire Declarations

(MENAFN) The United Nations threw its weight behind dueling ceasefire announcements from Kyiv and Moscow on Tuesday, expressing cautious optimism while pressing both warring parties to pursue a durable and comprehensive end to hostilities.

UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric addressed the back-to-back declarations in a formal statement, responding to reporters' questions on the matter: "We welcome the unilateral ceasefire announced by Ukraine, to begin on the night of 5 to 6 May, as well as the one by the Russian Federation, to take place over 8 and 9 May.

"The Secretary-General looks forward to their successful implementation, and reiterates his call for a full, immediate, unconditional and lasting ceasefire, leading to a just, comprehensive, and sustainable peace, in line with the UN Charter, international law and relevant UN resolutions."

The twin announcements trace back to Monday, when the Russian Defense Ministry declared a pause in combat operations for May 8–9 "in honor of the celebration of the Soviet people's victory in the Great Patriotic War." In a post on Telegram, the ministry asserted that Moscow would take "all necessary" measures to safeguard the Victory Day commemorations, and issued a stark warning of a "massive" retaliatory missile strike should the celebrations face any disruption.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy moved swiftly in response, declaring his own ceasefire effective from midnight Kyiv time, framing the decision in humanitarian terms: "Human life is far more valuable than any anniversary celebration."

Zelenskyy added that Ukraine had received no formal communication from Moscow concerning the "cessation of hostilities" tied to Russia's Victory Day celebrations — underscoring the absence of any coordinated or negotiated agreement between the two sides.

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