Despite a supposed truce announced by Russia, reports of ongoing military attacks and casualties leave Ukraine skeptical of Moscow's intentions.
Ukraine Denounces Russian Ceasefire as a Pretext for Continued Attacks
Ukraine Denounces Russian Ceasefire as a Pretext for Continued Attacks
Ukrainian officials accuse Russia of exploiting a ceasefire to continue aggression, claiming numerous violations.
In a stark rebuke, Ukraine's foreign minister Andrii Sybiha characterized Russia's recent three-day ceasefire as a sham, reporting 734 violations since the truce began just after midnight on Thursday. Casualties included at least one civilian in Bilopillia, a town within the Sumy region, where emergency services confirmed ongoing strikes. Russia’s defense ministry, conversely, claims their ceasefire was respected while accusing Ukraine of 488 violations.
Following the escalated violence, including air strikes purportedly utilizing glide bombs in Sumy, military spokesperson Viktor Trehubov noted Russian attacks persisted across eastern Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed the truce as a “theatrical show,” asserting it was designed to provide a facade for the upcoming Victory Day parade. He has called for a much longer ceasefire, proposing a minimum duration of 30 days.
The Kremlin's assertion that troops had fully halted operations is at odds with reports from both sides, as violence has surged in the lead-up to the announcement. Moscow’s intent behind the ceasefire remains ambiguous; analysts suggest it primarily serves to gauge the West's interest in a diplomatic resolution rather than a genuine bid for peace.
In the backdrop, negotiations continue as U.S. involvement in mediating peace has faced criticism, particularly regarding perceived pressure on Ukraine to concede to Russian demands. Since launching its full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, Russia has occupied nearly 20% of Ukrainian territory, including Crimea.
As Russia prepared for its commemorations of Victory Day, Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Moscow reaffirmed ties, complicating the geopolitical landscape further. With fears of Ukrainian drone strikes over the celebration, the Kremlin has bolstered security measures, potentially including communication jamming to ensure a "calm" atmosphere during the festivities.
Zelensky, reflecting on Ukraine's commemoration of World War II victories, emphasized the resolve to never again succumb to aggression, framing his address as a poignant reminder of the fight against tyranny.
Following the escalated violence, including air strikes purportedly utilizing glide bombs in Sumy, military spokesperson Viktor Trehubov noted Russian attacks persisted across eastern Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed the truce as a “theatrical show,” asserting it was designed to provide a facade for the upcoming Victory Day parade. He has called for a much longer ceasefire, proposing a minimum duration of 30 days.
The Kremlin's assertion that troops had fully halted operations is at odds with reports from both sides, as violence has surged in the lead-up to the announcement. Moscow’s intent behind the ceasefire remains ambiguous; analysts suggest it primarily serves to gauge the West's interest in a diplomatic resolution rather than a genuine bid for peace.
In the backdrop, negotiations continue as U.S. involvement in mediating peace has faced criticism, particularly regarding perceived pressure on Ukraine to concede to Russian demands. Since launching its full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, Russia has occupied nearly 20% of Ukrainian territory, including Crimea.
As Russia prepared for its commemorations of Victory Day, Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Moscow reaffirmed ties, complicating the geopolitical landscape further. With fears of Ukrainian drone strikes over the celebration, the Kremlin has bolstered security measures, potentially including communication jamming to ensure a "calm" atmosphere during the festivities.
Zelensky, reflecting on Ukraine's commemoration of World War II victories, emphasized the resolve to never again succumb to aggression, framing his address as a poignant reminder of the fight against tyranny.
