Zelensky says Russia made no attempt to halt fighting; Russia’s Defense Ministry says it launched ‘retaliatory’ strikes

Russia and Ukraine traded accusations of continuing to fight after Moscow’s unilaterally declared ceasefire took effect at midnight.

In an address, Zelensky said Russia had not made even a token attempt to halt fighting along the front line.

He said Ukrainian forces had recorded more than 140 artillery strikes on front-line positions, 10 assault operations, and hundreds of drone strikes overnight. He added that Ukraine would respond in kind after today, as it had after the previous day.

Russia’s Defense Ministry stated that all Russian troop formations had fully ceased combat operations at midnight while Ukrainian forces continued to strike. In total, the ministry stated, 1,365 ceasefire violations had been recorded in the “special military operation” zone.

“Under these conditions, Russia’s Armed Forces responded in kind to ceasefire violations. They struck back at multiple-launch rocket system firing positions, artillery, and mortars. Command posts and drone launch sites were hit,” the ministry said.

The ceasefire was declared unilaterally by the Russian authorities and was set to last through May 8 and 9.

Ukraine did not officially join the ceasefire. Russian officials warned that if the Ukrainian Armed Forces continued their attacks, a “devastating” strike would be launched on the center of Kyiv.