Ukraine Conflict: Finger-Pointing Over Alleged Violation of Putin's Truce
Kyiv and Moscow point fingers at one another, accusing each other of breaching Putin's truce. - Ukraine and Russia trade allegations of breaching Putin's truce (Moscow accusing Kiev, and vice versa)
Got a bone to pick? So do Russia and Ukraine, as they've been trading accusations of violating the temporary truce declared by President Vladimir Putin. The General Staff in Kyiv claims a whopping 200 skirmishes on the front lines in the last day.
Ukraine alleges foiling 71 Russian attacks on the mining town of Pokrovsk, in the Donetsk region. They also report ongoing shelling of frontline cities using rockets and over 30 guided aerial bombs, according to their morning briefing from the General Staff.
Putin's Peace Plan: A Short-Lived Affair?
Meanwhile, Russian authorities report a drone attack on the regional administration building in Belgorod. Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov shared a video via Telegram, showing the aftermath of the incident. Some metal remnants appear on the ground, potentially drone debris. Thankfully, no notable damage to the structure, nor casualties, were reported.
Putin ordered a three-day truce between May 8 and the break of May 11, citing humanitarian concerns. He's set to host a grand military parade on Red Square on May 9 to commemorate the end of World War II, with dignitaries like Chinese President Xi Jinping expected in attendance. Ukraine objected to the truce, labeling it a publicity stunt and calling for a 30-day extension.
- Ceasefire
- Vladimir Putin
- Ukraine
- Russia
Insight:
Russia and Ukraine have been accusing each other of breaking the ceasefire, not just the recent May 8-11 one. For instance, reports suggest that Russia continued offensive operations in the Novopavlivka direction without confirmed advances[2]. Furthermore, on May 11, Russia launched a drone attack on Ukraine, potentially another truce violation[1].
These disputes have predominantly occurred in the Eastern Ukraine region, which has been the focus of much of Russia's military intervention. Besides Novopavlivka, various areas have seen ongoing operations[1][2]. The truce was intended to facilitate Victory Day celebrations in Russia, but it seems both parties struggled to adhere to the peace terms[1][2].
- The European Union and its Member States, concerned about the ongoing war-and-conflicts in Ukraine, have expressed their disappointment over the alleged violations of President Vladimir Putin's ceasefire by both Russia and Ukraine.
- Despite the temporary truce, reports suggest that skirmishes continue along the front lines in Ukraine, with Ukraine alleging 200 such incidents in a day.
- In response to Ukraine's accusations, Russia reports a drone attack on the regional administration building in Belgorod, potentially indicating another violation of the ceasefire.
- The disputes between Russia and Ukraine over adherence to the ceasefire, with each side accusing the other of violations, have been a common feature not just in the recent May 8-11 truce, but also in the broader context of the conflict in Eastern Ukraine.
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