Mutual Accusations Over Ceasefire Violations
Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of breaching ceasefires declared by both sides to observe the Soviet Union's Victory Day celebrations marking the defeat of Nazi Germany.
The Russian Defence Ministry reported over 1,000 violations within the conflict zone, while Moscow's mayor stated that the city had been targeted by drones since the ceasefire commenced at midnight local time (21:00 GMT Thursday).
Ukraine also asserted that Russian forces continued to strike Ukrainian positions during the ceasefire period.
Ceasefire Declarations and Warnings
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a ceasefire for 8-9 May in anticipation of Victory Day celebrations on Saturday. Prior to this, Kyiv had called for an indefinite truce starting 6 May.
Russia has cautioned Ukraine against attempting to attack the Victory Day parade in Red Square. The Russian Defence Ministry threatened a "retaliatory, massive missile strike" on central Kyiv if Moscow is attacked and advised foreign diplomats to evacuate the Ukrainian capital ahead of 9 May.
For the first time in nearly twenty years, the parade will feature no military hardware, only soldiers, as the Russian capital remains on high alert amid concerns of potential Ukrainian attempts to disrupt the event.
Residents of Moscow and St Petersburg have been warned that mobile internet access will be limited for security reasons.
Unlike previous years when the celebrations attracted numerous foreign guests, this time only the leaders of Belarus, Malaysia, Laos, and a few other dignitaries are expected to attend.
Reported Violations and Military Activity
On Friday morning, the Russian Defence Ministry posted on Telegram that there had been 1,365 ceasefire violations, including 153 artillery strikes and 887 drone strikes within the conflict zone.
The ministry also stated that Ukraine continued to target civilian locations in the border areas of the Kursk and Belgorod regions, near the conflict zone.
Russian armed forces responded with "mirror" actions to these violations.
Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin reported that approximately 20 drones had been intercepted near the city within the first two hours of the ceasefire.
Ukrainian strikes were also reported on industrial sites in the Perm and Yaroslavl regions, as well as in the Rostov region and the Chechen capital, Grozny.
Thirteen airports in southern Russia suspended operations following a drone attack.
Ukrainian Response and Casualties
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky posted on Telegram that more than 140 attacks on Ukrainian positions and over 850 drone strikes occurred within the initial hours of the truce.
"All of this clearly indicates that there was not even a simulated attempt from the Russian side to cease fire at the front,"
"Just like in the results of the past day, Ukraine will act in kind today."
On Thursday, Ukraine accused Russia of violating Kyiv's unilateral ceasefire by launching drone attacks, including one on a kindergarten in the Sumy region. Two people were killed in that attack, although no children were present at the time.
Diplomatic Developments and Statements
The exchange of accusations over ceasefire breaches followed comments by European Council President António Costa, who expressed optimism about the EU's potential to negotiate with Russia to end the war, with the support of Ukrainian President Zelensky.
"I'm talking with the [EU's] 27 national leaders to see the best way to organise ourselves and to identify what we need effectively to discuss with Russia when it comes to the right moment to do this,"
"We cannot change the geography. We are in Europe, we are neighbours of Russia, and of course we need to talk with them about the future of the security architecture of Europe,"
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded that Russia is prepared for dialogue but "will not initiate such contacts ourselves."
The United States has facilitated several rounds of talks between Russia and Ukraine without achieving a breakthrough. There are concerns that Washington's focus has shifted due to the war in the Middle East.
Wildfire in Chornobyl Exclusion Zone
Separately, Ukrainian emergency personnel are combating a large wildfire in the exclusion zone near Chornobyl, known during the Soviet era by its Russian name, Chernobyl.
Strong winds, dry conditions, and the presence of landmines from the ongoing conflict complicate firefighting efforts. The fire is spreading rapidly and has already covered approximately 11 square kilometers (4.2 square miles).
The exclusion zone, located in the Kyiv region, remains heavily contaminated; however, authorities report that radiation levels in the fire area remain within normal limits.
