UNITED NATIONS, May 5 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations welcomes the unilateral ceasefires announced respectively by Ukraine and Russia, said a UN spokesperson on Tuesday.

In this photo provided by the Ukraine National Police on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, policemen walk inside a car service workshop destroyed by a Russian strike on Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine. (Photo: AP)

"We welcome the unilateral ceasefire announced by Ukraine, to begin on the night of 5 to 6 May, as well as the one by the Russian Federation, to take place over 8 and 9 May," said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

The secretary-general looks forward to their successful implementation, and reiterates his call for a full, immediate, unconditional and lasting ceasefire, leading to a just, comprehensive and sustainable peace, in line with the UN Charter, international law and relevant UN resolutions, Dujarric told a daily press briefing.

Russia's Defense Ministry on Monday declared a Victory Day ceasefire on May 8-9. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced Monday night that Ukraine will start a ceasefire with Russia starting Wednesday.