Russia Observes Truce, Ukraine Blamed for Breaking It Nearly 500 Times
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposed Victory Day ceasefire officially began today, May 8, and is set to remain in effect until midnight on May 10. The unilateral truce was meant to pause hostilities during Russia’s most sacred national holiday—Victory Day, marking the end of World War II in Europe.
Despite the gesture, Russian sources are accusing Ukraine of violating the truce 488 times in less than 24 hours.
Telegram channels monitoring Russian airspace confirmed that no Russian drones had been deployed today—an indication that Moscow is honoring its side of the temporary armistice.
Kiev Quiet, But Activity on the Ground Tells a Different Story
While Ukraine has made no official commitment to the ceasefire, Ukrainian MP Aleksey Goncharenko hinted that some informal guidance was given to troops to respect the pause in fighting. However, the alleged violations appear to suggest otherwise.
According to Russian military sources:
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Ukrainian forces launched 173 artillery, tank, and mortar attacks
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At least 4 attacks used multiple launch rocket systems
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300 drone strikes or munition drops were carried out
The Russian Ministry of Defense has warned that it will “respond in kind” if attacks persist, raising fears of retaliatory escalation.
Kursk and Donetsk Under Fire
Two separate Ukrainian attempts to breach Russia’s Kursk region were reported, along with a massive barrage targeting Donetsk, a key region under Russian control. These developments contradict earlier speculation that Ukraine might join the ceasefire discreetly.
Russia Holds Fire—For Now
Thus far, Moscow has not reported any attacks on the capital region, which could be the only factor preventing immediate and devastating retaliation. Russian state-aligned media, including Intel Slava, reports that if Ukrainian forces carry out any high-profile provocations during Victory Day, the Kremlin is prepared to deploy its new hypersonic missile, “Oreshnik” (Hazel) to strike key command centers in Kiev.
A Ceasefire on Paper—But War on the Ground
While Putin’s gesture was intended to honor a historic day and reduce violence, the mutual distrust and absence of formal agreement from Kiev have turned the ceasefire into yet another flashpoint in the war.
With over 488 alleged breaches, the ceasefire may be headed toward complete collapse—and both sides appear poised for escalation.