Ukraine: Russia violated its own ceasefire 734 times in one day

Both Ukraine and Russia reported attacks on their forces on the first day of a 72-hour ceasefire declared unilaterally by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that Russia violated its own ceasefire agreement 734 times on Thursday. Posting on social media platform X, he called the truce a "farce."

According to Ukrainian officials, at least one civilian was killed due to Russian shelling. Artillery attacks were reported along the 1,000-kilometer front line, although with reduced intensity compared to the previous 24 hours.

The temporary ceasefire, declared by Putin on April 28, is set to last until 21:00 GMT on May 10, aligning with celebrations in Moscow for the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory in the Great Patriotic War. Leaders from around 20 countries are expected to attend the commemorative events on May 9.

The ceasefire was announced without prior negotiation with Ukraine. Russia simply urged Kyiv to follow suit.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected Putin’s unilateral ceasefire, calling it a “grand theatrical performance.” He emphasized that Ukraine is open to a ceasefire, not for three days, but for 30—if such a truce is genuine.