Russia unexpectedly declared a one-sided ceasefire for May 8th and 9th. Russian state media reported on Monday, citing the military command, that the decision was made by Vladimir Putin, himself in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief. This action comes as May 8th is observed as a memorial or public holiday in several European countries. On this date, people commemorate the Allied victory, recalling the unconditional surrender of the German Wehrmacht and thus the end of the Second World War in Europe on May 8, 1945.



