Russia and Ukraine Exchange Accusations During Ceasefire on Victory Day

MOSCOW, May 9 (Reuters) – Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of violating a three-day ceasefire which began Thursday, coinciding with Russia’s Victory Day celebrations. President Vladimir Putin hosted foreign leaders in Moscow as Ukrainian officials described the ceasefire as a ‘farce.’

The Russian Defense Ministry claimed Ukrainian troops attempted assaults in the Kursk and Belgorod regions. They stated that their own forces had ceased all offensive operations as of midnight. However, Moscow also alleged that Ukraine had attempted to breach the border on multiple occasions and accused them of 488 ceasefire violations.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha countered those claims, asserting that Russia committed 734 violations and conducted 63 assaults within the first 12 hours of the ceasefire. He emphasized the continuation of Russian attacks on Ukrainian territory, particularly in the Sumy region, which left several civilians dead.

Over the past day, Ukrainian military reported 154 clashes, involving air strikes and drone operations against Russian targets. The ongoing violence drew harsh criticism from Kyiv, which described the ceasefire as a political stunt aimed at diverting international scrutiny from ongoing hostilities.

As the tensions unfolded, Putin emphasized the importance of the Victory Day parade, which marked the 80th anniversary of the defeat over Nazi Germany. Alongside leaders from China and Brazil, the parade featured 11,000 troops, showcasing Russia’s military might amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Kyiv’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the parade, framing it as cynicism in light of the enduring violence across the front lines. In response to the situation, Ukraine’s parliament ratified a deal with the U.S. to send $50 million in defense aid, reflecting ongoing international support amidst the conflict.

The developments come as Ukraine continues to call for a longer ceasefire, contrasting with Russia’s unilateral declaration. Both sides’ accusations highlight the fragile nature of the ceasefire and the ongoing military confrontations.