**Ukrainian Forces Clashed with Russian Troops Over 100 Times on First Day of “Humanitarian Ceasefire”**
On May 8, the first day of Russia’s self-declared Victory Day ceasefire, Ukrainian forces faced intense combat clashes across the front line. According to the General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces, there were 117 reported clashes throughout the day. Despite the Kremlin’s announcement of a truce from May 8-11, fighting continued in multiple regions.
**Heavy Fighting in Donetsk Oblast**
The majority of battles took place in Donetsk Oblast, where Russian troops launched 41 assaults on the Pokrovsk front alone. This region remains one of the most fiercely contested sectors of the front, with Russia concentrating its main offensive efforts since March. Clashes also occurred near Chasiv Yar, Kupiansk, and Lyman in Donetsk Oblast, as well as around Siversk, Torske, and in Kharkiv Oblast.
**Civilian Casualties Rise**
Ukrainian regional authorities reported at least seven civilian deaths and 31 injuries over the past 24 hours across Ukraine. Some of these attacks took place after the start of Moscow’s unilaterally declared truce. Russian strikes targeted homes, vehicles, and public spaces in Sumy, Kharkiv, Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts.
**Ceasefire Violations Continue**
This is not the first time Russia has violated its own ceasefire initiatives. Earlier this month, Moscow declared a ceasefire over the Easter holiday, but President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of nearly 3,000 violations between April 19 and April 21. Ukraine also reported that Russian forces repeatedly breached a partial truce on attacks against energy facilities brokered by the U.S. on March 25.
**Kyiv Unfazed by Russian Demands**
Russia has repeatedly proclaimed its readiness for peace talks while pushing for maximalist demands. However, Kyiv has dismissed these declarations as propaganda stunts, noting that Russian forces have only intensified their attacks on Ukrainian cities and towns. The Ukrainian government remains skeptical of Russia’s intentions, and it appears that the situation on the ground will continue to be marked by violence and uncertainty.
**What’s Next?**
As the “humanitarian ceasefire” continues, it remains to be seen whether Russia will abide by its own truce or continue to pursue its military objectives. One thing is clear: the people of Ukraine are not holding their breath for a peaceful resolution to this conflict anytime soon.
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