Ukraine has accused Russia of violating a ceasefire proposed by Volodymyr Zelenskiy, which was meant to begin at midnight. Ukrainian officials reported continued strikes across key cities, including Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia, along with casualties in frontline areas.
Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Russian forces launched missiles and drones overnight, rejecting Kyiv’s call for an open ended ceasefire. The accusations come as Vladimir Putin announced a separate short ceasefire for May 8 to 9 linked to World War Two commemorations in Moscow.
Ukraine had urged Russia to reciprocate its earlier ceasefire proposal, but instead reported intensified attacks just hours after the deadline.
Why this matters
The alleged violation highlights the deep mistrust between the two sides and raises doubts about the feasibility of any near term ceasefire. Competing proposals and continued military activity suggest that diplomacy remains fragile and largely ineffective.
Ongoing strikes on civilian and infrastructure targets also underscore the humanitarian cost of the conflict, with casualties continuing despite calls for peace. This further complicates international efforts to broker a lasting resolution.
Stakeholders
Ukraine remains at the centre of the conflict, seeking to defend its territory while pushing for international support. Russia is pursuing its military objectives while managing global perceptions of its willingness to negotiate.
Civilians in affected regions are among the most impacted stakeholders, facing ongoing security risks and infrastructure damage. International actors, including Western allies and global organisations, are closely monitoring developments due to broader security implications.
What is next
Fighting is likely to continue in the near term, with little indication that either side is ready to commit to a sustained ceasefire. Attention will shift to whether Russia follows through on its own proposed May 8 to 9 pause and whether Ukraine responds in kind.
Diplomatic efforts may persist, but without mutual trust and verifiable commitments, any ceasefire is likely to remain temporary and vulnerable to collapse.
With information from Reuters.
