Mutual Ceasefire Breaches Mar Victory Day Truce as Moscow and Kyiv Exchange Accusations
Russia and Ukraine have mutually accused each other of violating separate ceasefires declared for Victory Day celebrations, with Moscow citing over 1,300 violations and Kyiv reporting more than 140 attacks on its positions.
Russia and Ukraine have engaged in a diplomatic exchange of accusations regarding the breach of separate ceasefires declared to cover Victory Day celebrations. The Russian defence ministry reported more than 1,300 violations in the conflict zone, comprising 153 artillery strikes and 887 drone attacks. Conversely, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated there was no genuine attempt by Russia to cease fire, citing over 140 attacks on Ukrainian positions and more than 850 drone strikes in the initial hours of the truce.
In Moscow, the security situation has escalated significantly ahead of the parade. Mayor Sergey Sobyanin noted that approximately 20 drones were downed near the capital within the first two hours of the truce. In response to these threats, authorities have restricted mobile internet access for residents and warned of a retaliatory, massive missile strike against Kyiv if the parade in Red Square is attacked. The Kremlin has also warned foreign diplomats to leave the Ukrainian capital ahead of 9 May.
The scope of the conflict activity extends beyond the immediate front lines. Ukrainian strikes were reported on industrial sites in the Perm, Yaroslavl, and Rostov regions, as well as the Chechen capital of Grozny. Additionally, thirteen airports in southern Russia suspended operations following drone attacks. Moscow's mayor further indicated that Ukraine continued to strike civilian targets in the border areas of the Kursk and Belgorod regions, prompting a "mirror response" from Russian armed forces.
Diplomatic efforts to stabilise the situation remain complex. European Council President António Costa indicated potential for EU-Russia negotiations with Zelensky's backing, emphasising the need to discuss the future security architecture of Europe. However, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed readiness to mediate while warning against wasting time if progress is not made. Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded that Russia was ready for dialogue but would not initiate such contacts itself.
Amidst the geopolitical tensions, a significant wildfire is burning in the Chornobyl exclusion zone. The blaze covers approximately 11 sq km, with efforts to control the fire complicated by strong winds, dry weather, and landmines present in some areas from the ongoing conflict. Authorities state that radiation levels in the area of the fire remain within the normal range, though the exclusion zone remains highly contaminated.
The Victory Day parade in Moscow is scheduled to proceed, marking the first in nearly two decades without military hardware. Foreign attendance is limited to leaders of Belarus, Malaysia, Laos, and a few other dignitaries, a significant reduction from previous years. As the celebrations continue, both sides maintain that their respective ceasefire declarations are being honoured by them and breached by the other.
