Russia and Ukraine Accuse Each Other of Violating U.S.-Brokered Ceasefire
Both nations report casualties and blame each other for breaches during the three-day truce.
Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of violating a U.S.-brokered three-day ceasefire intended to coincide with Russia's Victory Day celebrations. Despite the agreement, both sides reported casualties due to ongoing drone and artillery attacks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized Russia for not adhering to the truce and warned of swift retaliation if full-scale hostilities resume. Ukraine reported several civilian casualties from Russian attacks, while Russia's defense ministry accused Kyiv of over 1,000 ceasefire violations, including targeting civilian and military sites.
Russian-backed officials in occupied Kherson also reported injuries from Ukrainian shelling. The ceasefire had been proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, who expressed hope it could mark the beginning of the end of the conflict, and included plans for a prisoner exchange. Despite this, Russia remains firm on its demand that Ukrainian troops withdraw from the Donbas region. Past ceasefires, including during Orthodox Easter, have repeatedly failed, reflecting entrenched mistrust and stagnant U.S.-led diplomatic efforts after more than four years of war.
