According to the ministry, the pause in hostilities is intended to ensure that national Victory Day commemorations proceed without disruption.
In its statement, the ministry emphasized that the Armed Forces of Russia will undertake all necessary security measures to safeguard the planned festivities. Officials also expressed an expectation that the Ukrainian side would adhere to the ceasefire during this period.
The ministry referenced remarks made in Yerevan by the head of the Kyiv administration, noting that those comments included threats to carry out strikes on Moscow on May 9. Russian officials warned that any such attempt to disrupt the celebrations would result in a retaliatory strike on Kyiv.
According to the ministry, Russia has previously avoided targeting central Kyiv for humanitarian considerations. However, the statement stressed that protective actions would be taken if commemorative events were threatened.
In light of the heightened tensions, civilians and foreign diplomatic personnel currently in Kyiv are being urged to leave the city as soon as possible.