Russia and Ukraine exchange artillery fire on eve of Victory Day

Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of violating a short ceasefire announced by Moscow to coincide with Victory Day commemorations. The Kremlin reported that its forces downed 264 Ukrainian drones early on Friday, while officials in Kyiv claimed attempted attacks on the capital and in the Perm region in the Ural Mountains.

The truce, declared from May 8 to May 10, was intended to cover annual celebrations that include a military parade in Moscow. Russia had warned that any disruption would trigger a large-scale missile response against Kyiv, urging foreign diplomats to leave the Ukrainian capital before potential escalation.

Separately, the Russian transport ministry announced that 13 airports in southern Russia halted operations due to drone attacks. The ministry stated that one of the affected airports, in Rostov-on-Don, temporarily suspended air traffic management after a Ukrainian drone struck an administrative building.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russian forces continued to attack positions overnight, dismissing the ceasefire as ineffective. He reported that Russia had carried out over 140 attacks on front-line positions and more than 850 drone attacks by early morning.

In response, Ukraine reportedly struck a Russian oil facility in Yaroslavl, deep inside Russian territory, which Kyiv described as retaliation for attacks on its cities. Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine’s long-range sanctions continued in response to Russian strikes on its cities and villages.

The situation remains tense, with both sides accusing each other of violating the ceasefire. The conflict continues to affect multiple regions, including Moscow and southern Russia.

Source: Al Jazeera