Moscow, May 4 (Petra) -- The Kremlin announced on Monday a two-day unilateral ceasefire in Ukraine to coincide with the 81st anniversary of the Soviet victory in World War Two, following a decision by President Vladimir Putin.

The ceasefire is scheduled to take effect throughout May 8 and 9, a period Russia commemorates as the Great Patriotic War. In a statement, the Kremlin said Russian armed forces would remain in defensive positions and take all necessary measures to ensure the security of national celebrations during the truce.

//Petra// AF