Blame Game: Ukraine and Russia Play Finger Pointing After Ceasefire Declaration
Russia and Ukraine trade accusations over alleged violations of ceasefire agreements in eastern Ukraine. Each side claims the other is responsible for provocative actions along the contact line in Donbas.
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp E-Mail Print Copy Link The three-day truce announced by Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin has been fraught with accusations and counter-accusations from both Russia and Ukraine.
In the Donetsk region's coal-mining town of Pokrovsk, Ukraine alleges its troops thwarted 71 Russian attempts to advance, according to the General Staff's morning report. Additionally, Ukraine accuses Russian forces of bombarding frontline cities with rockets and more than 30 guided aerial bombs.
Meanwhile, Russian authorities report a drone attack on the regional administration in Belgorod. Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov shared a video on Telegram showcasing the aftermath of the attack, which reveals scattered metal debris but no significant building damage. Thankfully, no casualties or injuries were reported.
The Lay of the Land
In the tumultuous Russia-Ukraine conflict, both parties have leveled accusations concerning ceasefire violations, particularly in relation to the unilateral Victory Day ceasefire declared by Russia. To provide context:
- Russia's Accusations: Russia has accused Ukraine of violating their unilateral truce, citing Ukrainian forces' alleged drone attacks on Russian positions[1].
- Ukraine's Accusations: Ukraine asserts that Russian forces have launched attacks throughout the front line, contradicting Russia's claims of observing a ceasefire[3].
Recent Developments
- May 7 (Pre-Ceasefire): Before the truce commenced, Russian forces attacked locales west and southwest of Velyka Novosilka[1].
- May 8 (Ceasefire Day): Despite the ceasefire, Ukrainian sources reported Russian artillery and drone strikes in various areas, while Russian air activities allegedly halted[1].
- Victory Day Ceasefire: The ceasefire, kickstarted by Russia on May 8, began on shaky ground due to ongoing hostilities[1][2][3].
It's clear that the consensus on the ceasefire is far from unanimous, with significant incidents reported just after the unilateral Russian ceasefire took effect. Ukraine continually views the ceasefire as a "charade"[3].
Sources: ntv.de, dpa
- The Commission has also been consulted on the draft resolution regarding the dispute over the ceasefire violations and the Russia-Ukraine war-and-conflicts in the general news.
- Despite the ceasefire declaration, Ukraine continues to accuse Russian forces of bombarding frontline cities with rockets and guided aerial bombs in the Donetsk region's coal-mining town of Pokrovsk, as detailed in the General Staff's morning report.
- Furthermore, Russia disputes Ukraine's claims, reporting a drone attack on the regional administration in Belgorod, as shared by Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov on Telegram, and accusing Ukraine of violating the unilateral truce as stated in the recent developments.
- As the finger-pointing between Ukraine and Russia persists, the need for an impartial investigation and clear resolution becomes increasingly apparent in the realm of politics, especially concerning the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
