Russia’s ceasefire claims disputed amid continued strikes

English , International - بین الاقوامی , Snippets , / Thursday, May 8th, 2025

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rki.news
Kyiv, May 8, 2025 – Ukraine has rejected Russia’s three-day unilateral ceasefire, declared to mark World War II Victory Day, as ineffective and misleading. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha labeled the truce a “farce,” reporting 734 violations since it began overnight into Thursday. In response, Ukrainian forces have reportedly acted “appropriately” to each provocation.
The Russian Defense Ministry insists that the ceasefire is being observed, accusing Ukrainian forces of 488 violations. The conflicting claims highlight the deep mistrust between the two nations as heavy shelling and drone strikes continue. At least one person was reported dead in Ukraine’s northern Sumy region following Russian artillery fire, according to local emergency services.
Ukrainian military sources confirmed intensified Russian airstrikes in the Sumy region, particularly in the town of Bilopillia, where residential buildings were heavily damaged. Emergency teams rescued a woman trapped under rubble amid ongoing attacks. Ukrainian military spokesperson Viktor Trehubov also reported assaults in eastern regions after the ceasefire was supposed to take effect.
President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected Moscow’s ceasefire declaration, calling it a “theatrical show” designed to protect Russia’s planned Victory Day parade in Moscow. He urged for a more substantial ceasefire of at least 30 days, noting that previous temporary truces, such as the Kremlin’s 30-hour Easter pause, saw hundreds of alleged violations from both sides.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin described its truce as a “test of Ukraine’s readiness for peace,” despite rejecting a U.S.-Ukrainian proposal for an unconditional ceasefire. Moscow claimed its forces “completely ceased combat operations,” only responding to Ukrainian aggressions in a “mirror-like manner.” Ukrainian officials have dismissed these claims, accusing Russia of using the ceasefire as a political cover while continuing its military objectives.
As the Victory Day parade approaches, tensions remain high, with Ukraine warning it cannot guarantee safety for those attending the event in Moscow. President Zelensky marked Ukraine’s own Victory Day commemorations in Kyiv, honoring fallen soldiers and condemning Russia’s military actions as a “parade of cynicism.”