OREANDA-NEWS  At midnight on May 12, the truce announced by Russia on the occasion of Victory Day celebrations expired. It was valid from May 8 to May 11.

Russian President Vladimir Putin initially announced his readiness to declare a ceasefire for the holiday period during a telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump on April 29. Assistant to the Russian leader Yuri Ushakov noted that the Republican actively supported the initiative.

Later, the Ministry of Defense announced that the truce would be in effect on May 8-9. The ministry noted that they expect Ukraine to comply with it. At the same time, it was emphasized that the army would take the necessary measures to ensure the safety of the festive events.

"In the event of attempts by the Kiev regime to realize its criminal plans in order to disrupt the celebration of the 81st anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation will launch a massive missile strike on the center of Kiev," the message said.

The Ministry of Defense also warned the civilian population of Kiev and employees of foreign diplomatic missions about the need to leave the city in a timely manner.