Russia, Ukraine clash over ceasefire breaches ahead of Victory Day
Russia, Ukraine clash over ceasefire breaches ahead of Victory Day
As Victory Day nears, Russia and Ukraine trade blame over ceasefire breaches while drone strikes persist and Moscow tightens security measures for the parade.
Russia and Ukraine accuse each other of breaching separate ceasefires declared to cover Victory Day celebrations, with hundreds of drone and artillery attacks reported as the truce began.
The Russian defence ministry tallied 1,365 ceasefire violations in the conflict zone, including 153 artillery strikes and 887 drone strikes, while Kyiv said Russia continued to strike civilian targets near Kursk and Belgorod.
President Vladimir Putin announced a ceasefire for 8-9 May ahead of the Victory Day parade, while Kyiv had called for an indefinite truce starting 6 May.
For the first time in nearly two decades there will be no military hardware at the parade, and Moscow is on high alert as fears of disruption linger. Residents were warned that mobile internet access could be limited for security reasons.
Attendees at the parade include leaders from Belarus, Malaysia and Laos, with other dignitaries expected to attend; Moscow also urged foreign diplomats to leave Kyiv ahead of 9 May.
With Victory Day approaching, the conflicting claims and security measures reflect a tense moment in the war, as both sides signal readiness to continue fighting while pledging to protect the celebrations.
