Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha denounced Russia’s three-day ceasefire, labeling it a “farce” just hours after it began. Despite Russian President Vladimir Putin's truce aligning with Moscow’s May 9 WWII Victory Day parade, Sybiha reported 734 violations and 63 assault operations by Russian forces from midnight to midday on Thursday, with 23 still active. Ukraine has informed the U.S. and EU of Russia’s alleged breaches.
Moscow, meanwhile, accused Kyiv of launching 488 attacks and two border incursions in the Kursk region. Reuters could not independently verify battlefield reports from either side.
While drone and missile attacks subsided initially, Ukraine’s military recorded 154 clashes, one missile strike, and 15 air attacks within the first 24 hours. Regional officials confirmed casualties from continued Russian strikes, including a fatal drone attack in Zaporizhzhia and property damage in Poltava.
Ukraine, skeptical of Putin’s ceasefire intentions, has not agreed to the truce. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy dismissed Russia’s Victory Day celebration as a “parade of cynicism,” criticizing Putin for distorting WWII history. Zelenskiy marked the May 8 anniversary of Nazi Germany’s defeat by honoring fallen soldiers in Kyiv.
Ukrainian troops along the eastern front reported ongoing Russian assaults despite the declared ceasefire. Drone units near the frontlines observed live attacks, contradicting Russian claims.
Zelenskiy stated in a call with U.S. President Donald Trump that a 30-day ceasefire would be a true step toward peace and expressed Ukraine’s readiness to participate. He also received continued support pledges from Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
The situation underscores the deep mistrust between both sides as hostilities persist despite calls for peace and international diplomatic efforts.