Ukraine and Russia both report attacks on the first day of Moscow-declared ceasefire

Russia and Ukraine experience attacks during ceasefire; Putin welcomes Xi Jinping, highlighting strong Russia-China relations.

Russia and Ukraine both reported attacks on their forces on the first day of a 72-hour ceasefire called by Russian President Vladimir Putin to mark the anniversary of the World War II victory with a parade in Moscow.

Russian bombs struck northeast Ukraine in the opening hours of the ceasefire, killing at least one civilian, while artillery assaults took place across the 1,000-kilometer front line, Ukrainian officials said, although with less intensity than in the previous 24 hours.

The unilateral ceasefire coincides with Russia’s biggest secular holiday, the 80th anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany. Kyiv has pressed for a longer-term ceasefire.

Mr. Putin on Thursday (May 8, 2025) welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping in the Kremlin. Mr. Xi, who Mr. Putin earlier described as “our main guest” at Friday’s (May 9, 2025) Victory Day festivities, arrived in Russia on Wednesday (May 7, 2025) for a four-day visit.

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Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha accused Russia of violating its own ceasefire 734 times between midnight and midday Thursday (May 8, 2025). He called the ceasefire a “farce” on the social media platform X.

He said Russia carried out 63 assault operations along the front line, 23 of which were still ongoing as of midday. Ukraine “responds appropriately” and is actively sharing information about the attacks with the U.S, the European Union and others. “We will not let Putin fool anyone when he does not even keep his own word,” Mr. Sybiha said.