**Russia Fails to Keep Promise of Ceasefire in Ukraine**
In a shocking turn of events, Russia’s Air Force has confirmed that Russian aircraft bombed the area of Sumy Oblast on May 8, despite Moscow’s announcement of a unilateral ceasefire. The ceasefire was set to last until May 10 and was declared by Russian President Vladimir Putin to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory Day.
This incident comes as US President Donald Trump is pushing for Kyiv-Moscow talks to end the ongoing Russian invasion. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected Putin’s proposal, reaffirming support for the US position advocating a permanent ceasefire and reiterating Ukraine’s offer of a 30-day pause in hostilities.
According to the Ukrainian Air Force, three separate bomb launches were reported on the region overnight and in the early hours of May 8. The strikes occurred despite Russia’s previously announced ceasefire set to begin at midnight on May 8 and continue through May 10.
**Russian Aggression Continues**
The Sumy Oblast Military Administration reported that Russian forces carried out nearly 120 attacks on 34 settlements across 14 territorial communities in the region between May 7-8, killing one woman and injuring three civilians. The Russians used over 80 MLRS rounds, nearly 20 guided aerial bombs, around 20 FPV drone strikes, and 30 VOG grenade drops from UAVs, damaging or destroying civilian infrastructure.
While there were no reports of missile or drone activity on May 8, the Ukrainian Air Force reported three waves of drone attacks by Russia on the previous day. The attacks involved 31 attack drones and one decoy drone launched from the area of Millerovo, Russia.
**Putin’s Ceasefire: A Move to Manipulate?**
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov claimed that Putin’s ceasefire declaration was a “beginning of direct negotiations with Ukraine without preconditions.” However, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy called Putin’s statement “another attempt at manipulation.”
The White House also stated that President Donald Trump supports a lasting ceasefire, not a three-day one. This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, and it remains to be seen whether any progress can be made in negotiations.
**Commentary**
This incident is a stark reminder of Russia’s continued aggression towards Ukraine. Despite Moscow’s announcement of a unilateral ceasefire, Russian forces continued to launch attacks on Ukrainian territory. The use of guided aerial bombs and drone strikes highlights the increasing sophistication of Russia’s military tactics.
The fact that Russia launched attacks on May 8, despite its own declared ceasefire, raises serious questions about the sincerity of Putin’s intentions. It is clear that Russia is not committed to a lasting ceasefire, but rather seeks to manipulate the situation for its own gain.
As the conflict continues to escalate, it is essential that international leaders remain vigilant and take concrete steps to support Ukraine in this difficult time.
