Russian strikes in northeastern Ukraine have resulted in at least one fatality, even as the country’s air force issued multiple alerts regarding incoming missile and bomb attacks, contrary to a unilateral ceasefire declared by President Vladimir Putin.
“During nighttime shelling in the Sumy region, fires broke out in three residential buildings. Firefighters labored throughout the night into the early morning to control the flames. Tragically, one civilian lost their life in the assault,” stated the State Emergency Service of Ukraine.
In the village of Bilopillya, situated close to the Russian border, emergency responders reported rescuing a woman who had been trapped beneath debris after overnight airstrikes.
Putin’s 72-hour ceasefire, announced to align with this week’s Victory Day celebrations in Russia, has been criticized by Ukrainian officials as a mere political stunt. They advocate instead for the 30-day ceasefire initially suggested by the United States back in March.
As of 8:00 a.m. local time Thursday, Ukraine’s Air Force had reported no missile or drone incidents. However, they later indicated that Russia had “escalated tactical airstrikes utilizing guided bombs” on Sumy during the night. Subsequently, the air force issued several alerts for potential rocket and bomb attacks.
The Defense Ministry of Russia asserted that its forces “completely halted combat activities and remained at their established positions,” while also accusing Ukrainian troops of breaching the ceasefire and attempting to invade Russian territory.
“Ukrainian units conducted 173 shelling attacks along the entire front line,” the Defense Ministry claimed. “In total, 488 violations of the ceasefire have been documented.”
They added, “The intentional destructive acts by the Ukrainian side towards Russia validate the intentions of the Kyiv regime to obstruct a peaceful resolution of the conflict,” warning that Russian forces “will reciprocate against any violations.”
Later on Thursday, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha referred to the Kremlin’s ceasefire as a “farce,” asserting that the Ukrainian military was responding to breaches of the unilateral truce and would relay details of the attacks to Ukraine’s allies.
“According to our military intelligence, despite Putin’s assertions, Russian forces continue their attacks along the entire front. From midnight until noon, there were 734 violations of the ceasefire by Russia,” Sybiha posted on X.
“We won’t allow Putin to deceive anyone while failing to adhere to his own commitments,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Ukrainian news outlet Suspilne reported, citing various military units, that Kyiv had instructed its forces to return fire only if attacked during the ceasefire period from May 8-10.
Suspilne also noted that similar directives had been issued during last month’s Easter ceasefire, which was also declared unilaterally by Russia.
