WASHINGTON (May 5, 2026) – Russia and Ukraine have declared unilateral ceasefires–both sides have not agreed on shared terms. Russia announced that their ceasefire is taking place from May 8-9, which falls on Victory Day, a major national holiday celebrated with a military parade.
Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said he did not receive any official notice from Russia and announced that Ukraine’s ceasefire will start on May 5. The Russian defence ministry said their military will take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of the Victory Day parade, while also warning Ukraine not to launch attacks during their ceasefire.
For more analysis on these developments, please consider Bob Orttung, professor of Political Science and International Affairs and director of the Elliott School's Institute for European, Russian, and Eurasian Studies. Orttung has conducted field research in post-Soviet Eurasia and is currently focused on identity politics and political system change, including public opinion dynamics in Russia and Ukraine. His work has won two prizes from the American Political Science Association and includes the books The Zelenskyy Effect and Patronal Politics.
To schedule an interview with Professor Orttung, please contact Nadia Payne at nadia [dot] payne
gwu [dot] edu (nadia[dot]payne[at]gwu[dot]edu) or GW Media Relations at gwmediagwu [dot] edu (gwmedia[at]gwu[dot]edu).
-GW-