Russia, Ukraine accuse each other of breaking three-day ceasefire
Ukraine’s government claimed Russia has repeatedly broken its three-day ceasefire, launching hundreds of attacks across the frontlines just hours after the truce began. The Russian military, meanwhile, accused Ukraine of continuing to strike inside Russian territory.
The ceasefire, announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin, was timed to coincide with Russia’s May 9 Victory Day parade commemorating the end of World War II. Ukrainian officials described the pause as a political gesture meant for show rather than peace.
What does Ukraine say happened?
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called the ceasefire a “farce” in a post on X, formerly Twitter, claiming Russian forces committed 734 violations and launched 63 assault operations between midnight and midday Thursday, with at least 23 attacks still underway at that time.
Ukraine’s military reported 154 separate clashes within 24 hours of the ceasefire. Ukrainian prosecutors said Russian bombs killed a woman in Sumy and wounded others in the region. Russian drones also reportedly struck a car in the Zaporizhzhia region, killing one passenger. In Poltava, a Russian missile damaged several homes.
What is Russia’s position?
Russia’s defense ministry claimed Ukrainian forces carried out 488 attacks and twice attempted to breach the border in the Kursk region. Neither side commented on the other’s battlefield claims, and Reuters said it could not independently verify the figures.
Journalists with a Ukrainian drone unit observed a Russian infantry unit attempting to advance on the front. Ukrainian troops stopped the push using drones, and multiple Russian strikes reportedly followed in the same area.
What is the purpose of the ceasefire?
The Russian ceasefire was meant to coincide with the 80th anniversary of Nazi Germany’s defeat. Putin is hosting foreign leaders in Moscow for the May 9 Victory Day parade, including Chinese President Xi Jinping. Ukraine and most Western nations marked the anniversary on May 8.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized the Moscow ceremony as a “parade of cynicism,” referencing continued violence along the front lines. Zelenskyy walked through central Kyiv to commemorate fallen Ukrainian soldiers, recording a selfie video as he passed by civilians on the street.
What has the US proposed?
The developments come as former U.S. President Donald Trump, now back in office, proposed a 30-day unconditional ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. Trump reportedly warned that the U.S. would consider additional sanctions if Russia violates the pause.
Zelenskyy confirmed he spoke with Trump by phone and said Ukraine was prepared to implement the ceasefire immediately. He also spoke with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who expressed continued support for Ukraine.
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Ukraine’s parliament ratified a U.S. mineral agreement that includes $50 million in defense equipment, reinforcing strategic and economic ties during wartime.
What else is happening in Ukraine?
On May 8, Ukraine’s parliament unanimously ratified a new mineral resources agreement with the U.S. The Trump administration will send $50 million in U.S. defense goods to Ukraine as part of the deal.
The agreement is expected to boost Ukraine’s access to strategic materials while strengthening U.S.-Ukraine ties as the war continues. The move also reinforces economic cooperation amid ongoing attacks and military pressure from Russia.
Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
