A three-day ceasefire declared by Russia began on Thursday morning, bringing an unusual calm over Ukraine’s major cities after consecutive nights of heavy drone and missile strikes. The Kremlin-announced truce, timed with the 80th anniversary of Nazi Germany’s defeat in World War Two, took effect at midnight Moscow time (2100 GMT).
Despite the official ceasefire, Ukraine’s air force reported two guided bomb attacks by Russian aircraft in the northern Sumy region shortly after the truce began. No immediate reports of damage or casualties were available, and the information could not be independently verified.
As part of Russia’s commemorative events, President Vladimir Putin is hosting Chinese President Xi Jinping and other international leaders in Moscow and is set to preside over the May 9 military parade on Red Square.
Ukraine, however, has not recognized the Kremlin’s ceasefire, branding it a strategic move by Putin to appear as a peace-seeker while continuing the war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy reiterated his country’s willingness to observe a 30-day ceasefire, first proposed by the U.S. in March, stating, “We are not withdrawing this proposal, which could give diplomacy a chance.”
Zelenskiy criticized Russia for not engaging with the offer and instead escalating attacks, which he said underscores who is truly prolonging the conflict. He also appeared to acknowledge Ukraine’s drone strikes on Russian territory, including Moscow, calling them a “mirror-like” response to Russia’s aggression.
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin stated that 14 Ukrainian drones aimed at the Russian capital were intercepted in the hours before the ceasefire began.
While the Ukrainian capital Kyiv remained quiet as of early Thursday morning, the situation at the frontlines remained uncertain. A Reuters journalist near the eastern front reported hearing no fighting, though no formal confirmation of a pause was issued.
Russia has maintained that a comprehensive ceasefire would only be possible if enforcement mechanisms are clearly established. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova shifted blame onto Kyiv, claiming Ukraine is the obstacle to any lasting truce.
Both nations face increasing international pressure to end the war, with U.S. President Donald Trump urging a swift resolution to what has become Europe’s largest conflict since World War Two.
