• Russia and Ukraine accuse each other of violating a ceasefire during Victory Day celebrations.
• Ukrainian President Zelenskyy reports extensive attacks from Russian forces including drone strikes.
• Both sides continue military operations, casting doubt on the effectiveness of the ceasefire.

Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of breaching a ceasefire intended to coincide with the Victory Day commemorations, marking the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany. Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a unilateral ceasefire from May 8-10, aimed at festive celebrations. However, both parties have continued to engage in violent exchanges, with Russia claiming to have downed numerous Ukrainian drones and Ukraine vigorously defending its positions, according to Reuters, Al Jazeera, India Times, and BBC.

President Zelenskyy stated that Russian forces launched over 140 attacks and conducted more than 850 drone strikes in a mere 24 hours, highlighting the futility of the ceasefire and dismissing it as a mere "propaganda measure" to facilitate a military parade in Moscow. He insisted that Ukraine would continue to defend its positions with equal force, which he described as vital for the safety of its people, according to Reuters, Al Jazeera, and India Times.

Amidst heightened tensions, Russia's Defence Ministry reported that they had intercepted over 1,000 violations of the ceasefire, categorizing the Ukrainian strikes as relentless. They warned that any attempt to disrupt the upcoming Victory Day parade would result in a massive retaliatory missile strike against Kyiv, signaling a precarious escalation in hostilities, as detailed by India Times and BBC.

Notably, the usual military displays planned for the parade in Moscow have been cancelled due to fears of Ukrainian attacks, marking a significant change in the event's protocol. Only a select few foreign leaders are expected to attend this year, underscoring the isolated posture Russia has faced since the beginning of the conflict, according to Reuters, Al Jazeera, and BBC.