Despite Russia’s declaration of a ceasefire beginning on May 8, military operations against Ukrainian positions have persisted, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Zelensky reported over 140 shelling incidents along the front lines by 7 a.m. on the same day, alongside ten assault actions by Russian forces, particularly concentrated in the Sloviansk direction. Additionally, more than 850 drone strikes were recorded, involving various types of drones, including FPV and ‘Lancet’ models, as well as combat drones. Reconnaissance drones were also deployed over frontline areas.
The president emphasized that these actions indicate a lack of genuine intent from Russia to cease hostilities. Zelensky stated, “As with the previous day, Ukraine will respond in kind. We will defend our positions and the lives of our people. Russia must end its war, and this will be evident when the movement towards peace begins.”
The Russian Ministry of Defense announced a ceasefire from midnight on May 8 to May 10, claiming that all Russian military units would halt combat operations and urged Ukraine to follow suit. In response, Zelensky reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to mirror any violations of the ceasefire by Russian forces and advised representatives of countries aligned with Russia to refrain from attending the May 9 parade in Moscow.
Yuri Ushakov, an aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin, stated that no special invitations had been sent to foreign leaders for the May 9 celebrations, asserting that some foreign officials had expressed a desire to visit Moscow during this period.
Regarding the announced ceasefire, Putin had previously indicated a willingness for a truce with Ukraine during a conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump at the end of April, which Trump supported. On May 4, the Russian Ministry of Defense formally declared the ceasefire set for May 8 to 9. On the same day, Zelensky announced a temporary silence in military operations for the night of May 5-6, reiterating that Ukrainian forces would respond proportionately to any breaches.
On May 6, Zelensky asserted that Russia had not halted any military activities, reaffirming that Ukraine would act accordingly. Additionally, Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, urged foreign diplomats to evacuate from Kyiv ahead of a potential Russian counterstrike against decision-making centers if Moscow were attacked during the declared ceasefire.
The ongoing military actions by Russia, despite a declared ceasefire, highlight the complexities of the conflict. Ukraine's leadership maintains a stance of reciprocal action in response to Russian aggression, emphasizing the need for a genuine cessation of hostilities.