Vladimir Putin has declared a unilateral two-day ceasefire on 8 and 9 May to mark Russia’s World War Two victory parade, with 29 foreign leaders due in Moscow including Xi Jinping.
President Volodymyr Zelensky has countered with his own Ukrainian ceasefire from midnight tonight, accusing the Kremlin of using the parade as a diplomatic stunt rather than negotiating in good faith.
Britain announced sanctions yesterday on 35 individuals and entities recruiting vulnerable migrants to fight for Russia and produce drones for the war.
Russian forces lost 67 square kilometres of Ukrainian territory in the month to 28 April, the second consecutive month of net retreat.
Ukrainian drones have struck Tuapse oil refinery four times in two weeks.
Putin’s display of friendly autocrats on Friday will mask a war turning steadily against him.
Modi’s BJP Wins West Bengal For First Time Ever
Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party has won West Bengal for the first time in history, ending Mamata Banerjee’s 15-year rule and dealing a personal blow
5 May 2026
