Russia has disregarded Ukraine’s unilateral ceasefire, which began on May 6, while simultaneously accusing Kyiv of violating the truce. Reports indicate that Russian forces engaged in attacks on Ukraine even before the ceasefire took effect.
On the night of May 5, prior to the ceasefire, Russian officials and military personnel targeted the annexed city of Dzhankoy in Crimea. Following these strikes, Kremlin spokespersons claimed that Ukraine had breached its own ceasefire agreement, despite the fact that the attacks occurred before the designated start time.
Sergei Aksyonov, the head of the Russian-occupied Crimean government, stated shortly before 10:30 PM local time on May 5 that Ukrainian drones were directed towards occupied Crimea. He then asserted just minutes after midnight on May 6 that Ukrainian forces had launched strikes on Dzhankoy, implying that these actions took place before the ceasefire commenced.
Two members of the Russian State Duma echoed Aksyonov’s claims, suggesting that the Ukrainian strike occurred just before the ceasefire was set to begin. However, analysts have pointed out that such accusations lack credibility, as military operations conducted prior to a ceasefire do not constitute a violation of that ceasefire.
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) emphasized that the Russian assertions are unconvincing, noting that combat operations preceding a ceasefire do not breach the terms of that ceasefire. Analysts further highlighted that Russian forces have a history of continuing attacks and offensives even after declaring various ceasefires.
Notably, previous ceasefires announced by the Kremlin, including a 30-hour truce in April 2025 and a ceasefire during Victory Day celebrations, were also marred by ongoing hostilities. During the so-called “Easter ceasefire” on April 11-12, 2026, Russian forces executed four Ukrainian prisoners of war, underscoring the complexities surrounding ceasefire agreements in the region.
Russia has dismissed Ukraine's ceasefire declaration, accusing Kyiv of violations while continuing military actions. Analysts argue that such claims lack credibility, as attacks prior to a ceasefire do not constitute breaches.