Kyiv:
A ceasefire declared by Russia began on Thursday morning, bringing a temporary halt to a barrage of attacks involving Russian drones and missiles, resulting in quieter conditions in major Ukrainian cities.
The Ukrainian Air Force reported that, following the ceasefire announcement, Russian planes launched two guided bombs in the Smie region of northern Ukraine. The extent of damage from the attack was unclear, and independent verification was not provided by Reuters.
This ceasefire aligns with the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II and commenced at Midnight Moscow Time (2100 GMT).
In the context of the anniversary, Russian President Vladimir Putin is hosting Chinese President Xi Jinping and other leaders in Moscow, where a military parade is slated for May 9th in Red Square.
Ukraine remains skeptical of the Kremlin’s ceasefire, viewing it as a strategic maneuver by Putin, who seeks to project a desire for peace. The conflict has persisted since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Putin claims to pursue a resolution.
This week, Ukraine executed multiple drone strikes in Moscow, leading to airport closures in the Russian capital.
With the exception of the reports on two launches involving Ukrainian Air Force’s guided bombs, early Thursday saw no indications of Russian drones or missiles targeting Ukrainian cities.
By around 3:45 am (00:45 GMT), Kyiv was remarkably quiet compared to the previous day, which was filled with the sounds of explosions from Russian air assaults and anti-aircraft fire from Ukraine.
Uncertainty remains regarding combat activity on the frontlines between Russian and Ukrainian forces. A witness near the eastern front noted that he did not hear fighting in the early hours of Thursday.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky mentioned on Wednesday that a proposal for a 30-day ceasefire had been extended to Russia.
“We haven’t withdrawn this proposal, which could provide a chance for diplomacy,” Zelensky remarked in a video address.
Russia’s response to the 30-day ceasefire offer included launching a new strike, according to him.
“This clearly illustrates the source of the ongoing conflict,” the Ukrainian president commented.
Zelensky also seemed to acknowledge the various drone attacks on Russian locations, including Moscow, as the World War II memorial events drew near.
“It’s only fair that the skies over Russia, the invaders, aren’t calm today,” he indicated on Wednesday.
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin reported on the Telegram messaging app that 14 drones targeting the capital were intercepted or destroyed in a series of incidents lasting over five hours, occurring prior to the enforcement of the three-day ceasefire.
The US suggested a 30-day ceasefire in March, which Ukraine accepted. Russia contends that such measures can only be enacted once specific implementation mechanisms are established.
The situation intensifies as both nations face pressure from US President Donald Trump to expedite an end to the conflict, the largest in Europe since World War II.
Maria Zakharova, spokesman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, expressed disbelief regarding comments from envoy Keith Kellogg suggesting that Putin might hinder a comprehensive ceasefire.
“The only barrier to a ceasefire is Kiev, which undermines agreements and lacks the willingness to genuinely discuss long-term ceasefire terms,” Zakharova remarked.
