Russia's unilateral ceasefire comes into effect

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Russia's unilateral ceasefire has officially taken effect and is scheduled to remain in place until midnight on May 11.

By decision of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Moscow announced a temporary cessation of fighting during the commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of Victory Day, a national holiday, commemorating the 1945 defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy did not support the initiative. Moreover, he cautioned foreign guests against coming to Moscow to take part in the celebrations, saying he "could not guarantee their security." Moscow slammed the remarks as "threats."

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov warned that in case of violations of the ceasefire by the Ukrainian side, the Russian Armed Forces will give "an adequate and effective response."