Kyiv (TDI): Russia and Ukraine carried out large-scale attacks against each other on Friday, casting doubt over Moscow’s self-declared two-day ceasefire announced during Russia’s World War II Victory Day commemorations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russian forces continued military operations despite the ceasefire announcement, claiming there was “not even a token attempt” to halt fighting along the front line.
According to Ukraine’s air force, dozens of Russian drones were intercepted overnight, while Zelensky stated that Russia launched hundreds of drone strikes and more than 140 attacks on frontline positions. He added that Ukraine would respond proportionally to Russian actions, AFP reported.
Meanwhile, Russia’s defense ministry said it had destroyed 264 Ukrainian drones during the same period, shortly after the ceasefire formally came into effect.
Ukraine had dismissed Russia’s temporary truce as a political gesture aimed at securing Moscow’s May 9 Victory Day celebrations, one of the country’s most symbolic annual events overseen by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Read More: Russia Declares May 8–9 Ceasefire with Ukraine for Victory Day Commemorations
Ahead of the celebrations, Zelensky warned countries maintaining close ties with Russia against attending the military parade in Moscow, arguing that Russia was seeking symbolic peace for the event while continuing military operations in Ukraine.
Ukraine had previously proposed its own ceasefire beginning May 6, but Kyiv said Moscow ignored the proposal. At the same time, Russia warned civilians and diplomatic missions in Kyiv to leave the city, suggesting retaliatory strikes could occur if Ukraine targeted Russian territory during the ceasefire period.
The warning drew criticism from Western governments. Britain described the threats as irresponsible and unjustified, while Germany confirmed it would keep embassy staff in Kyiv. Reports also indicated that Zelensky would remain in the Ukrainian capital during the weekend.
Russia had announced that it would suspend frontline combat and long-range strikes during the truce, but said it reserved the right to retaliate if Ukraine continued attacks.
Victory Day on May 9 remains one of Russia’s most important national commemorations, marking the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. In recent years, Putin has increasingly linked the historical narrative of the war to Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine.
Security concerns surrounding this year’s celebrations have intensified after Ukraine expanded long-range drone operations targeting Moscow and other areas deep inside Russian territory.
Read More: Russia Open to ‘Negotiated Solution’ on Ukraine Crisis: Envoy
For the first time in nearly two decades, Russia is reportedly scaling back the display of heavy military hardware during the Red Square parade. Attendance by foreign leaders has also been limited compared to previous years.
Efforts to negotiate an end to the conflict have shown little progress, with major disagreements remaining over territory claimed by Moscow and conditions considered unacceptable by Kyiv.
