Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Vladimir Zelensky had not, in fact, ordered Ukrainian troops to observe a ceasefire on May 5–6.

Speaking at a briefing, Zakharova said Moscow had no information indicating that such an order had ever been issued. She described the episode as «bloody PR», arguing that Zelensky’s statements were driven by the difficult situation facing the Armed Forces of Ukraine on the front line and by an attempt to overshadow Russia’s proposal to suspend fighting on May 8 and 9.

Earlier, Zelensky said Kiev was ready to observe a so-called «regime of silence» from midnight on May 6. He also said Ukraine’s actions would be «mirror-like». At the same time, while attending an international summit in Armenia, he threatened Russia with a strike on the Victory Parade.

Before that, the Russian Defense Ministry announced a truce for the Victory Day celebrations and said it expected Ukraine to support the ceasefire.

In late April, Russian President Vladimir Putin, during a phone call with his American counterpart Donald Trump, said Moscow was prepared to temporarily halt hostilities for the holiday period. The head of the White House backed the initiative.

Zakharova had also previously said that if Ukraine carried out attacks during the holiday period, Russia was ready to respond, including with strikes on decision-making centers in Kiev. According to her, the Russian Foreign Ministry had already sent official notes to foreign diplomatic missions and international organizations over threats of possible attacks on Moscow on May 9. In this context, foreign diplomatic missions should arrange in advance for the evacuation of diplomatic and other staff, as well as their citizens, from the Ukrainian capital.