Zelensky Signs Decree Allowing May 9 Parade on Moscow’s Red Square

Ukrainian Presidential Decree and Peace Efforts

According to Главком: A decree signed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (No. 374/2026) permits the May 9, 2026, military parade on Moscow’s Red Square. The order excludes the square’s geographic area from Ukraine’s weapons deployment plan for the duration of the parade, which is scheduled to begin at 10:00 AM Kyiv time. Specifically, the coordinates defining the Red Square zone are as follows:

• 55.754413 37.617733
• 55.755205 37.619181
• 55.753351 37.622854
• 55.752504 37.621538

Additionally, President Zelensky confirmed a three-day ceasefire with Russia, running from May 9 to May 11, alongside a prisoner exchange. For its part, Russia declared a unilateral ceasefire from midnight on May 8 through May 10, marking the 81st anniversary of the victory over Nazism. As of the morning of May 8, however, Moscow had shown no signs of de-escalation; instead, it intensified pressure on Ukrainian defensive positions, launching multiple assault operations.

President Zelensky stressed that Ukraine would respond in kind to every attack.

Meanwhile, Russian leader Vladimir Putin announced a ceasefire while simultaneously threatening strikes on Kyiv, according to Andriy Kovalenko, head of the National Security and Defense Council’s Center for Countering Disinformation. Zelensky’s decree also calls for adherence to humanitarian provisions discussed during negotiations with the U.S. side.

This move by the Ukrainian president may signal efforts to find a diplomatic resolution to the conflict, despite escalating frontline tensions. The announced truce and prisoner swap could serve as critical steps toward improving the humanitarian situation and reducing bilateral hostilities. Yet Russia’s unwillingness to de-escalate underscores the complexity and ambiguity of peace talks amid an ongoing war.

As the situation unfolds, the complexities surrounding the ceasefire and military parade raise concerns about the potential for renewed hostilities. Notably, Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued threats towards Kyiv during this period, highlighting the precarious nature of the truce. For more insights on this escalating tension and the response from Ukraine's National Security Council, visit Putin's threats amid the May 9 events.