Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha slammed Russia’s ceasefire announcement as a “farce,” saying Russian forces continue to attack across the entire frontline.
Russian state media reported early Thursday that a unilateral ceasefire announced by Russian leader Vladimir Putin began at midnight on May 8. The Kremlin said the pause in fighting would last through midnight on May 11, which includes Russia’s May 9 Victory Day.
JOIN US ON TELEGRAM
Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official.
But Sybiha, citing details from Ukraine’s military command, said that from midnight to noon on May 8, Russia violated the ceasefire 734 times. Russian forces conducted 63 assault operations, including 176 drone strikes and 10 air strikes using guided bombs.
“I just spoke with Ukraine’s military command, who provided information about the frontline situation. Predictably, Putin’s ‘Parade ceasefire’ proves to be a farce,” Sybiha wrote on X.
“We are responding appropriately to all attacks,” Sybiha said, adding that Ukraine is sharing all relevant information about Russia’s violations with the US, the EU, and other international organizations.
“We will not let Putin fool anyone when he does not even keep his own word,” he added.
Sybiha also reaffirmed Ukraine’s readiness for a 30-day ceasefire to enable peace talks, but said Russia’s actions show no real commitment to peace.
Hungary Rejects EU Plan to Exclude Ukrainian Men of Military Age From Temporary Protection
Russian attacks continue across Ukraine
Despite Putin’s “ceasefire,” Russian attacks persisted across Ukraine, mainly via tactical bombing and artillery strikes.
In Kharkiv, a first-person view (FPV) drone struck a civilian car, injuring three women. Clashes were also reported in the Kupyansk area.
In Sumy, Russia attacked the region with guided bombs, killing one woman. In Kherson, Russian forces attacked 32 settlements, injuring six people. Although no artillery strikes had been recorded, Russian drones and artillery continued to operate.
In the Donetsk region, Ukrainian forces reported fewer attacks on their positions but noted that the Russian army used the ceasefire to move personnel and equipment. In the Zaporizhzhia region, 13 settlements came under attack, injuring one person.
Despite the announced ceasefire, Ukrainian forces remain on high alert, following orders to return fire in response to Russian violations, as per Suspilne.
That said, not a single Russian combat drone had been detected over the country on Thursday, marking a rare pause in the Kremlin’s near-daily drone assaults.
Verkhovna Rada lawmaker Oleksiy Honcharenko wrote on Telegram that Ukraine’s military had also been instructed to observe the ceasefire, a statement that has not been confirmed officially by Kyiv.
“Russia declared a ceasefire and struck with [aerial guided bombs] KABs. Ukraine is officially silent but is also joining the ceasefire. The military received similar instructions,” Honcharenko said.
On May 5, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov warned Ukraine that Moscow would deliver an “adequate response” if Kyiv continued attacks during the three-day “truce.”
“The fire will be stopped,” Peskov said, “but if there is no reciprocity… an adequate response will be given immediately.”
Zelensky earlier dismissed the offer as a “theatrical performance,” reiterating Kyiv’s call for a full, unconditional 30-day ceasefire.
“In two or three days, it’s impossible to develop a plan to end the war,” Zelensky said, warning that Putin was using the truce to stage “a pleasant atmosphere” ahead of Victory Day celebrations in Moscow.
Zelensky added that some countries attending Moscow’s May 9 events had asked Ukraine for safety assurances.
“We cannot take responsibility for what happens on Russian territory,” he said, warning that Russia could stage incidents and blame Ukraine.
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) assessed that Putin’s truce aims to “rest troops and position for further attacks,” while creating the illusion of openness to peace.
You can also highlight the text and press Ctrl + Enter
Russia Hit by 660-Drone Overnight Barrage Targeting Moscow, Crimea and Key Military Sites
