Ukrainian authorities on Thursday dismissed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s call for a three-day ceasefire as a “farce,” claiming Russia continued to launch attacks along the entire front line.
Despite the ceasefire announcement, timed to coincide with Russia’s Victory Day celebrations in Moscow, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga said the so-called truce was not being honored.
“Predictably, Putin’s ‘Parade ceasefire’ proves to be a farce,” Sybiga stated. “Russian forces continue attacking across the front. Between midnight and midday, Russia committed 734 ceasefire violations and launched 63 assault operations.”
Sybiga added that Ukraine would respond appropriately and share all developments with its international allies.
Although Ukraine never agreed to the truce, Russia claimed it was observing the ceasefire and accused Ukraine of initiating the attacks.
“The Russian Armed Forces are strictly observing the ceasefire,” said Russia’s defence ministry. “No strikes have been carried out by aircraft, missile forces, artillery, or drones.”
However, Ukraine’s air force reported guided bomb attacks in the northern Sumy region overnight, despite no recorded missile or drone strikes during that period.
“During the night, the enemy intensified tactical aviation strikes using guided aerial bombs in Sumy,” the Ukrainian air force said.
Earlier on Thursday, Russian strikes hit a residential area near Bilopillya, a town close to the border with Russia’s Kursk region, according to Ukraine’s emergency services.
