Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of repeatedly violating temporary ceasefires announced around the period of Victory Day commemorations marking the Soviet Union’s defeat of Nazi Germany during World War II.

The renewed exchanges came as tensions remained high across the front lines and security measures intensified in Moscow ahead of annual May 9 celebrations.

Russian President Vladimir Putin had announced a temporary ceasefire covering May 8 and 9 in connection with Victory Day events. Ukraine, however, had earlier proposed a broader and indefinite truce beginning on May 6.

Russia Reports Hundreds of Violations

Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed Ukrainian forces carried out more than 1,000 violations of the ceasefire within the first hours after it came into effect at midnight local time.

According to the ministry, the incidents included artillery fire, drone attacks, and strikes near border regions such as Kursk and Belgorod. Officials stated there had been 153 artillery attacks and 887 drone strikes targeting Russian positions and civilian areas.

The ministry said Russian forces were responding “in kind” to the attacks.

Meanwhile, Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin stated that approximately 20 drones were intercepted near the Russian capital shortly after the truce began.

Drone-related incidents were also reported in the Russian regions of Perm, Yaroslavl, and Rostov, as well as in Grozny. Authorities additionally suspended operations at 13 airports in southern Russia following reported drone threats.

Ukraine Says Russian Attacks Continued

Ukraine also accused Russia of continuing military operations despite the announced truce.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said there had been more than 140 attacks on Ukrainian positions and over 850 drone strikes during the first hours of the ceasefire period.

In a message posted on Telegram, Zelensky argued that Russia had made “no genuine attempt” to halt hostilities and stated that Ukraine would respond proportionally to ongoing attacks.

On the previous day, Ukrainian officials had accused Russian forces of launching drone strikes in Sumy region despite Kyiv’s own unilateral ceasefire declaration. Two people were reportedly killed in one strike that hit near a kindergarten building.

Security Tightened Ahead of Victory Day Parade

Russian authorities have placed Moscow under heightened security ahead of the May 9 Victory Day parade in Red Square.

For the first time in nearly two decades, the parade is expected to proceed without displays of heavy military equipment, reflecting concerns over possible Ukrainian drone attacks and broader wartime security risks.

Residents in Moscow and Saint Petersburg have also been warned that mobile internet services could face temporary disruptions during the celebrations.

Russia has additionally warned Ukraine against targeting the parade and threatened “massive retaliatory missile strikes” against central Kyiv in the event of an attack.

Foreign diplomats were reportedly advised to leave Kyiv ahead of the celebrations due to heightened tensions.

Diplomatic Signals Emerge Amid Ongoing Fighting

The latest escalation came as European officials discussed the possibility of renewed diplomatic engagement regarding the war.

António Costa said there remained “potential” for future negotiations between the European Union and Russia aimed at ending the conflict.

Costa noted that EU leaders were discussing how to prepare for eventual talks with Moscow while maintaining support for Ukraine.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded by saying Russia remained open to dialogue but would not initiate contact itself.

The United States has previously mediated multiple rounds of indirect discussions between Moscow and Kyiv, although no major breakthrough has been achieved.

Wildfire Spreads Near Chornobyl Exclusion Zone

Separately, Ukrainian emergency services are battling a major wildfire in the exclusion zone surrounding Chernobyl disaster in northern Ukraine.

Officials said strong winds, dry conditions, and the presence of landmines left behind by the war are complicating firefighting efforts. The blaze has reportedly spread across approximately 11 square kilometers.

Authorities stressed that radiation levels in the area remain within normal safety limits despite the fire. (ILKHA)