Ukrainian officials accused Russia on Thursday of breaching the terms of a self-declared three-day ceasefire just hours after it began, describing the move as a deceptive gesture. Meanwhile, Russia claimed Ukraine continued military actions despite the truce.
While fighting significantly reduced and drone and missile strikes ceased following the ceasefire, which began early Thursday, Ukraine’s Deputy Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha criticized the initiative. He labeled it a political maneuver timed to coincide with Russia’s annual May 9 military parade commemorating the end of World War II.
“Predictably, Putin’s so-called ‘parade ceasefire’ is a sham,” Sybiha wrote on social media, alleging Russian forces had carried out hundreds of violations and dozens of assaults in just the first half-day. He stated that Ukraine had reported the violations to the U.S. and European partners.
Russian defense officials, in turn, accused Ukraine of launching hundreds of attacks and attempting border incursions in the Kursk region. Neither side offered direct confirmation of the other’s claims.
Ukraine has refused to recognize the ceasefire, viewing it as a propaganda effort by Moscow to appear conciliatory while continuing hostilities. Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, Ukraine has been skeptical of such gestures.
A Ukrainian military representative reported ongoing Russian attacks in several eastern areas, while local prosecutors confirmed casualties, including a woman killed in the northern Sumy region.
On the ground in eastern Ukraine, limited artillery fire and minor skirmishes were still reported, though overall combat activity was described as lower than usual.
According to Ukrainian air defense forces, no Russian missiles or drones were detected in Ukrainian airspace as of Thursday morning following the ceasefire’s start.
The timing of the truce aligns with Russia’s preparations for the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany, an occasion being marked in Moscow with visits from foreign leaders and a military parade. Ukraine and most Western countries observe the anniversary on May 8 instead.
In Kyiv, President Volodymyr Zelensky marked the date by walking through the city center to honor fallen Ukrainian soldiers. In a video he posted, Zelensky criticized the upcoming Russian celebration, calling it a “parade of cynicism” and accusing Moscow of distorting history for political gain.
This week, Ukraine carried out a series of drone strikes targeting sites in and around Moscow, which led to airport disruptions and flight delays in the Russian capital.
Kyiv Pushes for Extended Ceasefire
Zelensky reiterated his country’s willingness to agree to a 30-day ceasefire to allow diplomatic efforts to proceed, noting that Moscow had not yet responded to the proposal.
“This clearly shows who is obstructing peace,” Zelensky said in a televised address.
One of Zelensky’s senior aides mentioned that Ukraine had been in talks with officials from the U.S., France, the UK, and Germany about how to apply pressure on Russia to accept the longer ceasefire. No specific details were given on the timing of the talks.
Zelensky also acknowledged that Russian cities were now feeling the effects of the war through drone attacks, describing it as a fitting reflection of the conflict’s consequences.
The idea of a month-long truce was initially suggested by the U.S. in March and supported by Ukraine. Russia has stated it would consider the idea only if proper enforcement mechanisms were agreed upon.
Tensions continue as both countries face mounting international pressure to end a conflict that has become the largest in Europe since World War II.
A spokesperson for Russia’s Foreign Ministry criticized recent remarks from a U.S. official suggesting President Putin was blocking a broader ceasefire. The spokesperson argued that Kyiv was the one refusing serious negotiations and violating agreements.
