Ukraine on Thursday dismissed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s announcement of a three-day ceasefire as a “farce,” accusing Moscow of continuing to launch widespread attacks across the front line despite the truce.
The ceasefire, unilaterally declared by Russia to coincide with Victory Day celebrations in Moscow, was supposed to begin Thursday morning. However, Ukrainian officials reported intense hostilities continuing throughout the day.
“Predictably, Putin’s ‘Parade ceasefire’ proves to be a farce,” said Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga. “Russian forces continue to attack across the entire front line. From midnight to midday, Russia carried out 734 ceasefire violations and 63 assault operations.”
Sybiga added that Ukraine would respond accordingly and share all relevant information with its allies.
While Kyiv had never agreed to the ceasefire, Russia claimed it was abiding by the truce and accused Ukrainian forces of violating it.
“The Russian Armed Forces are strictly observing the ceasefire. This includes no strikes by aircraft, missile forces, artillery, or unmanned aerial vehicles,” Russia’s defense ministry said. “Despite the announcement of the ceasefire, Ukrainian army units have not ceased hostilities against Russian troops.”
Ukraine’s air force reported that although no missile or drone attacks were recorded in its airspace, Russian forces intensified tactical aviation strikes using guided aerial bombs, particularly in the northern Sumy region.
Additionally, Ukraine’s emergency services confirmed that Russia struck a residential area near the town of Bilopillya, close to the Russian border, earlier in the day.
