Russia and Ukraine accuse each other of breaching Victory Day ceasefire
Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of violating separate ceasefires declared by each side to cover the celebrations of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany. The Russian defence ministry reported more than 1,000 violations in the conflict zone, while Moscow's mayor said the city had been targeted by drones since the ceasefire began at midnight local time (21:00 GMT Thursday). Ukraine also said Russia had continued to strike its positions since that time.
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a ceasefire for 8-9 May ahead of Victory Day celebrations on Saturday. Kyiv had earlier called for an indefinite truce, starting 6 May. The Russian defence ministry said there had been 1,365 violations of the ceasefire, including 153 artillery strikes and 887 drone strikes in the conflict zone. Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin said some 20 drones had been downed near the city in just the first two hours of the ceasefire. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky posted that there had been more than 140 attacks on Ukrainian positions in the first few hours of the truce, and more than 850 drone strikes. He said, "All of this clearly indicates that there was not even a simulated attempt from the Russian side to cease fire at the front," and "Just like in the results of the past day, Ukraine will act in kind today."
Russia has warned Ukraine not to try to attack the Victory Day parade in Red Square. Its defence ministry has threatened to launch a "retaliatory, massive missile strike" on the centre of Kyiv if Moscow is attacked and has warned foreign diplomats to leave the Ukrainian capital ahead of 9 May.
Quick Summary
Russia and Ukraine are trading accusations - each blaming the other for violating ceasefires declared to observe Victory Day. The back-and-forth raises questions about the possibility of de-escalation - especially as other nations seek to mediate.
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