Russia strikes eight Ukrainian towns 220 times in course of ceasefire. Russia attacked eight Ukrainian settlements in Zaporizhzhia 220 times over the course of 24 hours even after announcing a Victory Day-linked ceasefire. Governor Ivan Fedorov authenticated the attacks involved 150 drone strikes and 70 artillery fire. Ukraine rejected the truce as a “farce” with senior officials reporting more than 700 ceasefire breaches.
President Volodymyr Zelensky denounced Russia’s actions as hypocritical and reaffirmed Ukraine’s resolve to a US-sponsored 30-day ceasefire instead. Civilians, meanwhile, endure power outages, destroyed infrastructure, and increasing fear. The alleged ceasefire has now turned into another bout of savagery, diplomatic ambiguity, and mounting humanitarian expense.
A ‘Farce’ in the View of Ukraine
Ukrainian authorities have termed the ceasefire a “farce,” reporting more than 700 breaches in the first 12 hours of its enforcement. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and President Volodymyr Zelensky have both denounced the truce as a political move and not an actual step towards peace.
Even after the announced ceasefire, Russian troops continued offensive operations, such as drone attacks that caused civilian casualties in northeastern areas.
Continuing Hostilities Despite Diplomatic Initiatives
Although hostilities eased somewhat, with no missile or drone attacks reported by Ukraine’s air force early on Thursday, skirmishes and local fighting continued. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the Moscow parade as a “parade of cynicism.” He again reaffirmed Ukraine’s support for a US-suggested 30-day ceasefire, which Russia has not yet officially agreed to, requiring enforcement mechanisms before accepting.
Kyiv and Moscow are both pressured by US President Donald Trump to call for the war, now in its third year, to end. Diplomatic negotiations among US, French, British, and German representatives are ongoing to negotiate a longer ceasefire.
Human Cost of Ceasefire Violations
The relentless attacks have weighed on the civilian population. In Zaporizhzhia, the incessant shelling has left villages in the dark, impacting more than 3,300 citizens. The humanitarian effect is dire, with infrastructure ruined and civilian lives interrupted. Despite the announced ceasefire, the situation is still critical, with no visible path to peace ahead.
The recent events highlight the difficulties in attaining long-term peace in the region. Diplomatic attempts remain ongoing, yet the ground situation tells a different tale. The world looks on anxiously, awaiting a sincere commitment towards peace and a halt to the agony of innocent civilians.
