**Russia’s “Victory Day” Ceasefire Falls Short, Ukraine Says**
As Russia declared a three-day ceasefire for its Victory Day celebrations, Ukrainian officials were quick to point out that the country did not fully halt its attacks on Ukraine. Andrii Demchenko, spokesperson for Ukraine’s State Border Guard Service, said on air on May 12 that Russian forces continued their daily strikes with various weapons throughout the declared period.
This is not the first time Russia has used ceasefire announcements as a propaganda tool, while continuing to wage war on the ground. Ukrainian officials have repeatedly warned about this tactic, and President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed Russia’s proposal as a “theatrical performance.” Zelensky accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of manipulating the international community with brief ceasefires that it has no intention of following.
According to Demchenko, while some areas may have seen a slight decrease in intensity during the three-day ceasefire, Russian forces continued attacks every day using all available weapons. This includes aircraft dropping guided bombs on Ukraine. The General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces reported 117 ground assaults across the front line on May 8 alone.
**A Pattern of Deception**
This is not an isolated incident. Earlier in April, Russia declared a ceasefire over the Easter holiday, but Ukrainian forces still faced nearly 3,000 Russian violations between April 19 and April 21. Ukraine has also accused Russian forces of repeatedly breaching a partial truce on attacks against energy facilities brokered by the U.S. on March 25.
It’s clear that Russia is using ceasefire announcements as a way to create an image of compliance with international norms, while continuing its military operations in Ukraine. This tactic allows Russia to maintain momentum and continue its aggression without appearing to be violating its own commitments.
**What It Means for Ukraine**
The continued attacks by Russian forces during the Victory Day ceasefire are a stark reminder that Ukraine is still engaged in a brutal war with Russia. The Ukrainian people, government, and military will likely take this as an indication that they must remain vigilant and continue their efforts to defend their country against Russian aggression.
As we move forward, it’s essential for the international community to recognize and condemn these tactics for what they are: attempts by Russia to manipulate public perception while continuing its destructive behavior. The world cannot afford to be fooled again by Russia’s “ceasefires” that have no real intention of stopping the fighting.
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