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Russia and Ukraine accuse each other of breaching Victory Day ceasefire
Russia and Ukraine accused each other of violating ceasefires declared to cover Victory Day celebrations. Moscow says the ceasefire began midnight May 7, 2026, while Kyiv reports continued strikes and violations, with widespread drone activity and aerial disruptions across both sides. The day is marked by a curtailed Victory Day parade in Moscow and heightened security concerns, alongside separate clashes and a wildfire in the Chernobyl exclusion zone.
Why It Matters
The exchange of accusations over a planned ceasefire amid Victory Day festivities underscores the fragility of latest truce attempts and risks of wider escalation just before a symbolically significant commemoration. International diplomacy circles note ongoing EU-Russia dialogue discussions alongside U.S. mediation efforts, highlighting broader implications for European security.
Timeline
15 Events
Victory Day parade planning: no military hardware; limited foreign attendance
May 8, 2026
The celebrations were marked by the absence of military hardware at the parade and limited attendance by foreign dignitaries, with leaders of Belarus, Malaysia, Laos and a few others attending.
Internet restrictions announced in Moscow and Saint Petersburg
May 8, 2026
Residents of Moscow and St Petersburg were warned their mobile internet access would be limited for security reasons.
Chernobyl exclusion zone wildfire escalates
May 8, 2026
Ukrainian emergency personnel battled a huge wildfire in the Chernobyl exclusion zone; strong winds and landmines complicate efforts; area remains highly contaminated but radiation levels are within normal range.
Drones disrupt, airports suspend operations; broader drone activity reported
May 8, 2026
Thirteen airports in southern Russia suspended operations after a drone attack (continuing from the previous day's disruptions).
Ukraine strikes on Perm, Yaroslavl, Rostov, and Grozny sites
May 8, 2026
Ukraine was reported to strike industrial sites in Perm and Yaroslavl regions, as well as in Rostov region and Grozny.
Russian defence ministry reports 1,365 ceasefire violations
May 8, 2026
The defence ministry said there had been 1,365 ceasefire violations, including 153 artillery strikes and 887 drone strikes, in the conflict zone.
Zelensky: over 140 Ukrainian positions attacked; reciprocal actions planned
May 8, 2026
Zelensky posted on Telegram that there had been more than 140 attacks on Ukrainian positions and more than 850 drone strikes in the first hours of the truce; he said Ukraine would act in kind today.
Zelensky says US envoys expected to visit Kyiv in coming weeks
May 7, 2026
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he expected US envoys to come to Kyiv in the next few weeks.
Costa interview on EU-Russia talks; Peskov signals willingness but not initiating
May 7, 2026
European Council President António Costa told the Financial Times there is potential to negotiate with Russia with Zelensky's backing; Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia is ready for dialogue but will not initiate contacts.
Southern Russia airports suspend operations after drone attack
May 7, 2026
Thirteen airports in southern Russia suspended operations following a drone attack.
Sumy kindergarten drone attack; two killed
May 7, 2026
Ukraine accused Russia of breaching Kyiv's unilateral ceasefire with drone strikes, including an attack on a kindergarten in Sumy region; two people were killed.
Moscow reports drones in first hours of ceasefire
May 7, 2026
Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin said about 20 drones were downed near the city in the first two hours after the ceasefire began.
Ceasefire begins at midnight local time
May 7, 2026
Russia's defence ministry said the ceasefire began at midnight local time (21:00 GMT) on May 7, 2026.
Putin announces ceasefire for May 8-9 ahead of Victory Day
May 7, 2026
President Vladimir Putin announced a ceasefire for May 8-9, 2026, ahead of Victory Day celebrations on May 9.
Kyiv calls for indefinite truce starting May 6
May 6, 2026
Ukraine had earlier called for an indefinite truce starting May 6, 2026, as part of efforts to cover Victory Day celebrations.