Russia and Ukraine accuse each other of violating Moscow-declared ceasefire

A ceasefire declared by Russia and due to take effect overnight on May 8 is effectively not being observed, according to statements from both sides.

Russia’s Defence Ministry said its air defences had shot down 264 Ukrainian drones over Russian regions since midnight, including drones targeting Moscow.

Ukraine, meanwhile, reported Russian drone attacks towards Zaporizhzhia and Kryvyi Rih. Authorities in the Dnipropetrovsk region said strikes hit Pavlohrad, causing a fire, as well as frontline areas.

Russia’s Defence Ministry earlier announced a halt to hostilities from May 8 to May 10 on the orders of President Vladimir Putin. Moscow warned that any attempt to disrupt holiday events in the Russian capital would be met with a “massive missile strike on central Kyiv.”