'Leave the city': Russia threatens to unleash 'massive missile strike'

Tuesday, 5 May 2026 11:55

Earlier this week, Russia and Ukraine declared unilateral ceasefires in their four-year war, which has become the bloodiest conflict in Europe since World War II.

Russia has threatened to release a "massive military strike" in the centre of Ukraine's capital if the nation breaches two separate ceasefires put in place by both countries.

Earlier this week, Russia and Ukraine declared unilateral pauses in their four-year war, which has become the bloodiest conflict in Europe since World War II.

Russia announced on social media that the ceasefire declared by President Vladimir Putin would extend from May 8 to May 9, coinciding with the nation's annual military parade in Moscow marking Victory Day.

FILE - Russian S-400 anti-aircraft missile system launchers roll during the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, on May 9, 2025, during celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during the World War II. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko, File)

Russian servicemen march towards Red Square prior to the Victory Day military parade rehearsal in Moscow, Wednesday, April 29, 2026, backdropped by a Stalin stile skyscraper. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)

"We hope that the Ukrainian side will follow suit."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said shortly after that he had not received an official notice from Russia, but that Ukraine would observe a separate ceasefire from May 5 to May 6.

"As of today, there has been no official appeal to Ukraine regarding the modality of a cessation of hostilities that is being claimed on Russian social media," Zelenskyy wrote.

He added that "human life is incomparably more valuable than the 'celebration' of any anniversary".

"It is time for Russian leaders to take real steps to end their war," he said.

The Russian Defence Ministry said in the lead-up to the parade that it would take measures to ensure the event's safety.

"If the Kyiv regime attempts to implement its criminal plans to disrupt the celebration of the 81st anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, the Russian Armed Forces will launch a retaliatory, massive missile strike on the centre of Kyiv," it said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin attends the meeting with representatives of Dagestan region of Russia to discuss the candidacy for the new head of the region, at the Kremlin in Moscow, Thursday, April 30, 2026. (Mikhail Metzel/Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

Russian servicemen prepare to march towards Red Square prior to the Victory Day military parade rehearsal in Moscow, Wednesday, April 29, 2026, backdropped by a Stalin stile skyscraper. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)

"We warn the civilian population of Kyiv and employees of foreign diplomatic missions of the need to leave the city promptly."

Russia called the ceasefire a precautionary measure given the threat of Ukrainian strikes during the Victory Day anniversary.

Putin said he first suggested a ceasefire last week in a call with US President Donald Trump.

Ukraine said it would await details from the US, and would support a lasting ceasefire and peace settlement between the two nations backed by security guarantees.

Zelenskyy said earlier this week in a meeting with European Union leaders that Russia's decision not to display military equipment at the parade was due to fear of Ukraine's drones and proof of the nation's growing weakness.

"This summer will be a moment when Putin decides what to do next: expand the war or move to diplomacy. And we must push him toward diplomacy," Zelenskyy said.

"Russia has announced a May 9 parade in Moscow without military equipment.

"If that happens, it will be the first time in many, many years. They cannot afford military equipment – and they fear drones may buzz over Red Square.

"This is telling. It shows they are not strong now," Zelenskyy said.

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