Ukraine claims Russian truce violations as May 9 parade nears

Ukraine has accused Russia of breaching a 72-hour ceasefire ahead of Russia’s annual May 9 military parade, with both sides exchanging accusations of violations and continued clashes reported on the ground.

Ukraine has alleged that Russia violated a 72-hour ceasefire declared by President Vladimir Putin, meant to precede Russia’s annual May 9 military parade. Ukrainian officials reported 734 breaches of the truce and 63 assault operations by Russian forces across the eastern frontline within hours of its start. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha criticized the ceasefire as a “farce,” highlighting continued attacks despite a reduction in drone and missile strikes.

Ukrainian military sources confirmed ongoing clashes in the eastern regions, with one civilian fatality and two injuries reported in the northern Sumy region. A Ukrainian soldier noted multiple strikes within the first hours of the ceasefire, questioning the sincerity of the truce.

Meanwhile, Russia accused Ukraine of nearly 500 attacks and alleged attempted incursions into its Kursk region. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that Ukraine had proposed a separate 30-day ceasefire to advance diplomatic efforts, but Moscow did not respond.

The ceasefire coincides with the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany, and President Putin is set to host global leaders at the Red Square parade in Moscow.

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