International-News

Putin announces ceasefire for Victory Day, but fighting continues on both sides

Despite Moscow’s unilateral pause in hostilities, Ukraine reports new airstrikes in Sumy while Russia signals drone attacks on its territory

A unilateral ceasefire declared by Russian President Vladimir Putin took effect at midnight on Thursday, May 8, ahead of Russia’s annual Victory Day celebrations. However, despite the temporary pause announced by Moscow, hostilities on the ground have not ceased.

Ukrainian authorities reported fresh airstrikes in the northern region of Sumy early Thursday morning. According to a statement by Ukraine’s Air Force shared on Telegram, Russian aircraft dropped multiple guided bombs in the area. The military also warned of continued aerial activity coming from the east, indicating that the threat remains active despite the supposed halt in combat.

On the Russian side, officials in the western region of Lipetsk reported a separate wave of attacks. Regional governor Igor Artamonov stated that drone strikes had been detected in the area, prompting alarms and emergency responses.

While Putin’s ceasefire was intended as a symbolic gesture tied to May 9th commemorations — a date marking the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War II — the events of the morning highlight the fragility and limited impact of unilateral declarations in a war that has shown few signs of de-escalation.

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