The Kremlin on May 4 dismissed claims that Russian President Vladimir Putin would issue an official declaration of war against Ukraine on May 9, following reports making the claim.
Since the start of the conflict in February, Putin and other Russian officials have described the conflict as a “special military operation.” However, reports this week speculated that a formal war decree—which could entail a greater mobilization of Russian forces—could be announced on May 9, which is “Victory Day,” the day that Russia celebrates the surrender of Nazi forces at the end of World War II.
