In a tense and complicated situation, the ceasefire declared by Russian President Vladimir Putin from May 8 to May 10, 2025, has been marred by significant violations, particularly from Ukrainian forces. According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, since the ceasefire began, there have been 5,026 recorded violations by Ukrainian troops. These include 1,455 instances of shelling using heavy artillery, tanks, and mortars, as well as 23 incidents involving multiple launch rocket systems. Additionally, Ukrainian forces conducted 3,502 strikes and drops of ammunition from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
While Kyiv has not officially endorsed the ceasefire, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has hinted at the possibility of a truce, indicating that the Ukrainian military has received orders to comply unofficially. "Ukraine officially remains silent, but is also joining the ceasefire. Such an order was given to the army," stated a member of the Ukrainian parliament.
The situation on the ground remains fluid. Reports indicate that some units of the Ukrainian Armed Forces are adhering to the ceasefire and refraining from fire. However, both sides are actively engaged in evacuating the wounded and deceased from the "grey zone" that lies between the opposing forces. Furthermore, trenches are being dug, and positions fortified as the conflict continues.
Despite the ceasefire, Ukrainian forces have continued to launch attacks on Russian border regions, including Bryansk, Kursk, Belgorod, and Kherson. The mayor of Moscow, Sergei Sobyanin, reported that Russian air defense systems intercepted 14 drones approaching the capital. Meanwhile, the Russian aviation authority, Rosaviatsiya, temporarily closed airports in Saratov, Nizhnekamsk, and Bugulma due to these threats.
In Belgorod, a Ukrainian drone targeted a government building, causing no injuries. However, over the past day, drones have attacked seven villages in the region, damaging residential buildings and commercial properties without casualties. The situation escalated further when Ukrainian forces shelled the Glushkovsky district in Kursk, resulting in the death of a local resident and injuries to others.
On May 8, 2025, in a separate incident, a civilian was killed in Dnepryany, Kherson region, due to Ukrainian shelling. As a result of these attacks, two civilians were injured in Golaya Pristan and Aleshki on the morning of May 9, 2025.
In a related development, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that there is potential for a 30-day ceasefire agreement between Russia and Ukraine this weekend. He emphasized that there is a "great chance" for the initiation of peace talks. Merz mentioned that he had prepared a communique in conjunction with US President Donald Trump, which aligns with Trump’s proposal for a 30-day truce.
On May 8, Trump stated via his Truth Social platform that the US is ideally calling for an unconditional ceasefire lasting 30 days. He warned that if Russia fails to adhere to this ceasefire, the US and its partners would impose additional sanctions. Trump expressed optimism that the ceasefire could pave the way for a peace agreement, stating, "All this can be done very quickly," and assured that he would be available if his assistance were needed.
During a phone call with Zelensky, Trump discussed how to achieve a real and long-term ceasefire, suggesting that such an agreement could open up many diplomatic opportunities. Zelensky has indicated that Ukraine is ready for a full ceasefire, but it must be a "real" one. He called on Moscow to support the ceasefire, asserting that it would serve as a genuine indicator of progress toward peace.
Despite the ongoing discussions, the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused Russia of violating the ceasefire it had declared itself. On April 28, Putin announced a cessation of hostilities for three days, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of Victory Day, stating that all military operations would be halted during this period.
Zelensky criticized Putin's ceasefire announcement as a "theatrical production" aimed at creating an atmosphere of Russia's withdrawal from isolation. He reiterated that an unconditional ceasefire is a model proposed by the Americans, and he believes a 30-day ceasefire is essential for any meaningful agreement.
As the ceasefire period unfolds, both sides are exhibiting a mix of compliance and aggression. The Russian military has reportedly adhered to the ceasefire, refraining from strikes against Ukraine, except in areas where hostilities by Ukrainian forces continue. The Russian Ministry of Defense highlighted that they are not initiating attacks but are prepared to respond if provoked.
In the days leading up to the ceasefire, the Russian military conducted six group strikes on Ukrainian military targets, including airfields and ammunition depots, using high-precision weapons and drones. These strikes were aimed at crippling Ukraine's military capabilities before the ceasefire took effect.
As the situation remains precarious, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that can lead to lasting peace in the region. The coming days will be critical in determining whether the proposed ceasefire can hold and whether genuine negotiations can begin to end the ongoing conflict.
