The Russian Defense Ministry called on civilians in Kiev and employees of foreign diplomatic missions to leave the Ukrainian capital in a timely manner. The ministry warned that if Ukraine attempts to disrupt Victory Day celebrations, Russian forces will launch a retaliatory strike on the center of Kiev.

The ministry said it was warning Kiev’s civilian population and staff of foreign diplomatic missions of the need to leave the city in advance.

The Russian Defense Ministry also clarified that a ceasefire will be declared from May 8 to May 9, in accordance with a decision by Russian President Vladimir Putin, to mark the celebration of victory in the Great Patriotic War. At the same time, the Russian Armed Forces will take all necessary measures to ensure the security of festive events.

Earlier, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky threatened to strike the Victory Day parade in Moscow on May 9. The remarks were made during the opening of the European Political Community summit in Yerevan.

Later, Andrey Kolesnik, a member of the State Duma Defense Committee, said that Kiev, led by Zelensky, would receive a serious and multiple response in the event of possible Ukrainian Armed Forces strikes on the Victory Day parade. The deputy also described the Ukrainian president’s behavior as openly arrogant and boorish.