Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, countering Russia’s unilateral ceasefire declaration, put forward a preemptive ceasefire two days ahead of Russia. This is seen as a bid to seize the initiative rather than be dragged along by a Russia-driven schedule for the Victory Day parade.

In a statement posted on X on the 4th (local time), Zelensky said, “There has been no request officially conveyed to Ukraine regarding the modalities of a cessation of hostilities (ceasefire) circulating via Russian social media,” adding, “We believe that human life is far more precious than any ‘commemoration’.” He then announced, “We declare a ceasefire regime starting at midnight between the night of May 5 and the 6th.”

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha also criticized Russia, saying, “Peace cannot wait for parades and commemorations,” and, “If Moscow truly intends to end the fighting, it could do so as soon as tomorrow night.” However, no end date for the ceasefire was specified. Minister Sybiha stressed that the proposal is “a serious offer to end the war and shift to diplomacy.”

Earlier, Russia’s Ministry of National Defense unilaterally declared that it would implement a ceasefire on the Ukrainian front on May 8-9 to mark the World War II Victory Day. It then warned that if Ukraine disrupts the Victory Day parade in Moscow on the 9th, Russian forces could launch a large-scale missile strike toward Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital.

Zelensky’s remarks are read as drawing a line that he will not be bound by the ceasefire schedule Russia presented under the pretext of Victory Day.

Zelensky continued his criticism of Russia in a speech at the European Political Community (EPC) summit held in Armenia. Noting Russia’s decision to scale down the Victory Day parade and hold it without military hardware, he said, “They cannot afford military equipment, and they fear that drones might circle over Red Square,” arguing, “This suggests they are not strong now.” He went on to appeal to European countries: “We must continue to put pressure on Russia through sanctions,” and, “Please oppose any opinion in favor of easing sanctions.”

As both sides vie for initiative over the ceasefire, attacks continue on the front lines.

According to AFP, a ballistic-missile attack by Russian forces killed seven civilians and injured dozens in Merefa near Kharkiv, Ukraine, that day. Two civilians were also killed in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. A Ukrainian drone struck a high-rise in an upscale residential area of Moscow, and in Russia’s Belgorod Oblast, one civilian was killed in a drone attack.