Putin’s Three-Day Ceasefire Begins, But Ukraine Reports Immediate Violations

A three-day ceasefire announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin has officially come into effect, though Ukrainian officials claim that Russia breached the truce within hours. The temporary halt in hostilities, scheduled from midnight on May 8 to midnight on May 11, was timed to coincide with Russia’s Victory Day commemorations marking the end of World War II.

According to Russian state media, the ceasefire began at midnight local time. However, Ukraine’s Air Force reported that Russian forces launched guided aerial bomb attacks overnight in the Sumy region, resulting in civilian casualties. One bomb reportedly struck a home in Mykolaiv at around 3 a.m., killing a 55-year-old woman and injuring her son. Another explosion wounded a 70-year-old woman in the city of Vorozhba shortly afterward.

Putin’s order, according to a Kremlin statement issued last month, was based on “humanitarian considerations.” However, Kyiv dismissed the gesture, with President Volodymyr Zelensky calling it a “theatrical performance.” He reiterated Ukraine’s support for a U.S.-backed 30-day ceasefire proposal previously rejected by Moscow.

The ceasefire overlaps with preparations for Russia’s Victory Day parade on May 9, a high-profile event expected to draw leaders from allied countries including China, Vietnam, and Belarus. As these delegations arrive, the Kremlin faces logistical disruptions. Ukrainian drones reportedly forced temporary airspace closures at 13 airports, including four in Moscow, in a second consecutive night of strikes. One drone was intercepted heading towards the capital on Wednesday afternoon, Moscow’s mayor confirmed.

The ceasefire marks Putin’s second short-term truce announcement in recent weeks. A similar 30-hour pause was declared during Easter, though Ukraine also reported violations during that period. Despite the brief slowdown in combat in some areas, Ukrainian officials remain skeptical of Moscow’s intentions and continue to call for more comprehensive, enforceable peace efforts.

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