Russian forces have breached Vladimir Putin’s unilateral ‘Victory Day’ ceasefire hundreds of times, Ukrainian foreign minister Andrii Sybiha said.
Mr Putin had called a unilateral 72-hour Victory Day ceasefire to mark the 80th anniversary of Russia's "sacred" WW2 victory - but Kyiv accused it of breaching it within hours.
A total of 734 attacks were recorded across the eastern frontline from 12am - when the supposed ceasefire began - until 12pm on Thursday. The attacks prove the Russian ceasefire to be a farce, Mr Sybiha added.
One person has been killed in Russian attacks on Ukraine’s northeastern Sumy region as Russia continues to attack the frontline, Ukraine’s military said - but no ballistic missiles or drones were recorded overnight.
The ceasefire came into place soon before Mr Putin welcomed his “dear friend” Chinese president Xi Jinping to the Kremlin on Thursday morning, in a symbolic visit through which the Russian autocrat hopes to demonstrate the strength of support behind Moscow’s war in Ukraine.
But Volodymyr Zelensky hit out at Russia’s upcoming Victory Day commemorations, describing it as a “parade of bile and lies” in a passionate rant walking through the streets of Kyiv.
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Key Points
- Zelensky hits out at Russia's Victory Day as 'parade of bile and lies'
- Xi arrives in Kremlin to deepen 'no limits' partnership with Putin
- Ukraine ratifies strategic minerals deal with US
- Russia breached Putin's ceasefire 734 times, says Kyiv
- Who is attending Putin's Victory Day celebrations in Moscow?
Opinion: We must accept threat of Russian missiles hitting UK
16:15
,
Jane Dalton
By Keir Giles, senior consulting fellow, Russia and Eurasia Programme, Chatham House
Putin using WW2 victory to rally support for Ukraine war
15:20
,
Jane Dalton
We must eliminate external interference, says Xi
14:55
,
Jane Dalton
China and Russia should solidify the foundations of their cooperation and "eliminate external interference", said President Xi, whose country is engaged in a tariff war launched by Donald Trump.
Putin and Xi signed a "no limits" strategic partnership in February 2022, less than three weeks before Putin sent his army into Ukraine.
China, which is Russia's biggest trading partner, has thrown Moscow an economic lifeline that has helped it navigate Western sanctions.
Putin said the two leaders would personally oversee all key elements in the relationship, aiming for a substantial boost to trade and investment by 2030.
US, Russia discuss restoring Russian gas flows to Europe
14:30
,
Reuters
Officials from Washington and Moscow have held discussions about the US helping to revive Russian gas sales to Europe, sources say.
Europe slashed its imports of Russian gas following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Sources close to the bilateral discussions said carving out a renewed role for Moscow in the European Union's gas market could help cement a peace deal with Vladimir Putin.
Russia now supplies 19% of Europe's demand, down from 40%.
US envoy Steve Witkoff and Putin's investment envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, have held conversations about gas as part of Ukraine peace talks, two of the eight sources said.
Russia and China should be 'friends of steel', Xi tells Putin
13:51
,
Jane Dalton
Chinese President Xi Jinping told Russia's Vladimir Putin their countries should be "friends of steel", as they pledged to boost cooperation.
At talks in the Kremlin, the two leaders cast themselves as defenders of a new world order no longer dominated by the United States.
China and Russia should safeguard international fairness and justice and "be true friends of steel that have been through a hundred trials by fire", Xi told Putin.
Ukraine ratifies strategic minerals deal with US
13:43
,
Jane Dalton
Ukraine's parliament has unanimously approved a landmark minerals deal with the US.
The ratification is a key step in setting the deal in motion. It would allow Washington access to Ukraine's largely untapped minerals, deepen strategic ties and create a joint investment fund with the US for the reconstruction of Ukraine.
Kyiv hopes to receive more weaponry sooner rather than later.
Parliament approved the agreement with 338 members voting in favour, Ukrainian politician Yaroslav Zheleznyak wrote on his Telegram account. No politician voted against it or abstained.
"This document is not merely a legal construct, it is the foundation of a new model of interaction with a key strategic partner," Ukrainian economy minister Yulia Svyrydenko wrote on social media.
Putin and Xi say 'causes of war must be removed'
13:38
,
Jane Dalton
The Kremlin says Russian president Vladimir Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping are convinced that the conflict in Ukraine can only be resolved by removing its "root causes".
At talks in Moscow, Putin thanked Xi for joining celebrations to mark 80 years since the "sacred" victory over Adolf Hitler in World War Two.
Ukraine issues air alert due to 'ballistic missile threat' - ICYMI
13:35
,
Alex Croft
Ukraine has issued an air alert in its seven eastern regions, stating that there is a danger Russia will use ballistic missiles.
The alert by Ukraine’s air force comes despite Moscow’s announcement of a 72-hour ceasefire - which Kyiv says Russia has already violated on the eastern front.
All you need to know about Putin's Victory Day celebrations in Moscow
13:17
,
Alex Croft
Victory Day, which is celebrated in Russia on 9 May, has become the country’s most important secular holiday.
A massive parade through Red Square and other ceremonies underline Moscow’s efforts to project its power and cement the alliances it has forged while seeking a counterbalance to the West amid the three-year-old war in Ukraine.
“For [Vladimir] Putin, this day is important as a demonstration how broad a coalition backing Russia is,” said political analyst Nikolai Petrov.
The lineup of leaders coming to Moscow this year contrasts sharply to some past celebrations that drew top Western leaders at a time of friendlier ties between Russia and the West.
The festivities have been overshadowed by reports of Ukrainian drone attacks targeting Moscow and severe disruptions at all four of the capital's airports, with dozens of flights delayed or canceled, stranding hundreds of passengers.
Tightened security around the celebrations also led to restrictions on cellphone internet service and reports of outages.
Banks and taxi firms have preemptively warned customers about disruption to services over the holidays due to unstable internet access, and some shops and supermarkets have restricted deliveries due to potential network problems.
From Oval Office blowout to landmark minerals deal, how Ukraine's diplomacy unfolded
12:59
,
Alex Croft
Last fall, weeks before Donald Trump was elected U.S. president, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy floated a pitch that proposed, among other things, an economic deal that would allow Washington access to Ukraine’s largely untapped minerals and deepen strategic ties.
Under pressure from Western allies and amid global war fatigue, Zelenskyy saw that the days of Biden administration-era robust military aid might be numbered, and so the pitch was part of the Ukrainian leader’s so-called victory plan to end the Russia-Ukraine war. It was an offer that would appeal to Trump’s penchant for transactions-based diplomacy in hopes of ensuring a steady flow of future American support in return.
Read more:
Moscow accuses Ukrainian troops of trying to break into Kursk
12:39
,
Alex Croft
Russia's defence ministry said on Thursday that Ukrainian troops twice tried to break through the border in the Kursk region, news agency Interfax reported.
Reuters could not independently confirm the battlefield report.
The defence ministry said Russia continued to abide by the ceasefire, announced by Russia in its war in Ukraine for May 8-10, while Ukraine has violated it 488 times.
Kyiv at no point commmitted to the 72-hour ceasefire, and says Russia has violated its own ceasefire more than 700 times. One women was killed in Sumy, Kyiv said.
Sam Kiley explains | What Zelensky hopes to achieve by targeting Moscow ahead of Putin’s victory parade
12:20
,
Alex Croft
How Putin uses the USSR's victory in World War II to rally support for him and the war in Ukraine
12:01
,
Alex Croft
Hardly any other country marks the end of World War II with the same fanfare and fervor as Russia, for which the victory over Nazi Germany 80 years ago remains a source of immense pride and a defining moment of history.
Victory Day, celebrated on May 9, is Russia’s most important secular holiday, reflecting its wartime sacrifice. But it's also used by the Kremlin to bolster patriotism and regain the superpower prestige it lost when the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991.
President Vladimir Putin, who has ruled Russia for 25 of those 80 years, has turned Victory Day into a key pillar of his tenure and has tried to use it to justify his 3-year-old invasion of Ukraine.
Read more here:
Zelensky hits out at Russia's Victory Day as 'parade of bile and lies'
11:47
,
Alex Croft
Volodymyr Zelensky has hit out at Russia’s upcoming Victory Day commemorations as a “parade of bile and lies”, in a passionate video as he walks through the streets of Kyiv.
“Tomorrow, the atrocities of the Nazis will be brought up by the organiser of mass graves in Bucha,” the Ukrainian president said as he walked through Kyiv on VE Day, one day before Russia’s Victory Day on 9 May.
“And those who orchestrated the blockade of Mariupol will be the ones talking about the seige of Leningrad.
“It will be a parade of cynicism, there is just no other way to describe it. A parade of bile and lies, as if it were not dozens of allied states but Putin personally who defeated Nazism.
“As if it were he who raised the Victory Banner over the Reichstag in Berlin with his own hands. Thank God Ukraine has broken free from all of this.”
We commemorate the Day of Remembrance and Victory over Nazism in World War II. pic.twitter.com/MWLFsNf0Tx
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) May 8, 2025
Lithuania to withdraw from landmines treaty due to Russia threat
11:21
,
Alex Croft
Lithuania has voted to withdraw from a treaty banning the use of anti-personnel landmines due to concerns of the threat posed by Russia.
All five European Union and NATO countries which border Russia - Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Poland and Finland - have said they plan to exit the international treaty due to the military threat from their much larger neighbour.
The Lithuanian vote follows the one in Latvia, where the parliament in April approved the withdrawal.
After withdrawing from the treaty, the countries would be able to stockpile and lay landmines six months after informing other treaty members and the United Nations of their decision.
None of the five countries have done so yet.
Russia breached Putin's ceasefire 734 times, says Kyiv
11:04
,
Alex Croft
Russian forces breached Vladimir Putin’s ‘unilateral ‘Victory Day’ ceasefire 734 times from midnight until midday, Ukrainian foreign minister Andrii Sybiha said.
Attacks were recorded across the eastern frontline, Mr Sybiha said, adding that it proved the Mr Putin’s ceasefire to be a farce.
One person has been killed in Russian attacks on Ukraine’s northeastern Sumy region as Russia continues to attack the frontline, Ukraine’s military said - but no ballistic missiles or drones were recorded overnight.
Ukrainian troops will continue to respond to each Russian attack and inform its allies of all Russian violations, Mr Sybiha added.
Kyiv did not commit to the ceasefire, but instead continued to call for a 30-day total cessation of fire to allow for further talks on peace.
Xi: Moscow-Beijing relationship stronger than ever before
10:40
,
Alex Croft
Relations between China and Russia are stronger than ever before, Chinese president Xi Jinping said according to the Xinhua state news agency.
Moscow and Beijing’s partnership is more confident, stable and resilient in the new era, he said during his visit to the Kremlin.
What Zelensky hopes to achieve by targeting Moscow ahead of Putin’s victory parade
10:20
,
Arpan Rai
Drone attacks that shut down Moscow’s airports, renewed assaults on Russian territory, and new claims to have “stalled” Russia’s costly eastern offensive all add up to red faces in the Kremlin, as it prepares to celebrate 80 years since the Nazis were vanquished.
Vladimir Putin has claimed, among other things, that his full-scale invasion of Ukraine was to topple the “Nazi regime” (headed by a Jew) ruling Kyiv. None of the world leaders planning to attend Russia’s parades this week believe that nonsense.
They will note, however, that Ukraine is showing the resilience of a democracy backed by other democracies. And that, perhaps, Volodymyr Zelensky is feeling his country is more secure now that he has locked in American interests in Ukraine’s minerals – and a new uplift in US-made air defences.
Putin says Russia and China stand against 'neo-Nazism'
10:02
,
Alex Croft
Vladimir Putin thanked Chinese president Xi Jinping for joining celebrations to mark 80 years since the "sacred" victory over Adolf Hitler in World War Two, and said the two countries stood together now against "neo-Nazism".
"The victory over fascism, achieved at the cost of enormous sacrifices, is of lasting significance," the Russian autocrat told Mr Xi on Thursday.
"Together with our Chinese friends, we firmly stand guard over historical truth, protect the memory of the events of the war years, and counteract modern manifestations of neo-Nazism and militarism."
The Kremlin leader has portrayed his war in Ukraine as a struggle against modern-day Nazis - rejected as a grotesque falsehood by Kyiv.
Xi said the two countries, as world powers and permanent members of the U.N. Security Council, would work together to counter "unilateralism and bullying" - an implied reference to the United States.
One killed and two injured in Ukraine despite Putin's 'Victory Day ceasefire'
09:43
,
Alex Croft
One person has been killed in Russian attacks on Ukraine’s northeastern Sumy region, during the opening hours of Vladimir Putin’s 72-hour ‘Victory Day ceasefire’.
While Ukraine recorded no ballistic missiles or drones overnight, Moscow’s forces have continued to attack the eastern frontline according to its military.
A 55-year-old woman was killed in her home in Mykolaivka community at around 3am, and her 24-year-old son was wounded, prosecutors said.
Roughly 30 minutes later, another bomb hit civilian infrastructure in Vorozhba community, injuring a 70-year-old woman. Officials said an investigation into war crimes has been launched,
Ukraine has now issued an air alert in its seven eastern regions, stating that there is a danger Russia will use ballistic missiles.
Ukraine issues air alert due to 'ballistic missile threat'
09:24
,
Alex Croft
Ukraine has issued an air alert in its seven easter regions, stating that there is a danger Russia will use ballistic missiles.
The alert by Ukraine’s air force comes despite Moscow’s announcement of a 72-hour ceasefire - which Kyiv says Russia has already violated on the eastern front.
Xi arrives in Kremlin to deepen 'no limits' partnership with Putin
09:05
,
Alex Croft
Vladimir Putin thanked Chinese president Xi Jinping for coming to Moscow to join ceremonies marking the 80th anniversary of Russia's "sacred" WW2 victory.
The Russian autocrat greeted Mr Xi in the Kremlin, calling him "dear friend".
With leaders of 29 countries due to join Russia’s Victory Day celebrations, Mr Putin is hoping to boost Moscow’s diplomatic strength as it returns to the negotiating table with the US for the first time in years.
A show of strength with Mr Xi, with whom he has signed a “no limits” partnership as Russia and China look to strengthen the coalition against US hegemony, is particularly valuable for the Russian president.
Mr Xi is expected to sign numerous agreements to deepen the "no limits" strategic partnership that the two countries signed in 2022, less than three weeks before Putin sent his army into Ukraine.
China is Russia's biggest trading partner and has thrown Moscow an economic lifeline that has helped it navigate Western sanctions. China buys more Russian oil and gas than any other country.
Watch: Ukraine welcomes home 205 prisoners of war released by Russia
08:45
,
Alex Croft
Russia attacks eastern frontline despite 'ceasefire'
08:33
,
Alex Croft
Russian troops continued attacking Ukraine’s eastern frontline despite the supposed start to Vladimir Putin’s Victory Day ‘ceasefire’ at midnight Moscow time, the Ukrainian military said.
Viktor Trehubov said Russia had waged military assaults in several areas after midnight, with 139 clashes on the frontline as of 10pm Ukrainian time (8pm BST).
Zelensky explains why Ukraine won't follow Putin's ceasefire
08:06
,
Arpan Rai
Ukraine has made no promises to follow Russia’s 72-hour ceasefire, which came into effect at midnight Moscow time last night.
Volodymyr Zelensky instead said his country stood by its offer to observe a 30-day ceasefire in the war with Russia.
"We are not withdrawing this proposal, which could give diplomacy a chance," Mr Zelensky said in his nightly video address.
Ukraine has called the Kremlin’s ceasefire a ruse by Russian president Vladimir Putin to create the impression he wants to end the war, which began when Russia invaded its neighbouring country in February 2022.
Mr Zelensky said Russia had given no response to the 30-day offer except for new strikes.
"This clearly and obviously demonstrates to everyone who the source of the war is," the Ukrainian president added.
Mr Zelensky also appeared to acknowledge the numerous Ukrainian drone attacks that have been targeting Russian sites, including the city of Moscow, in recent days.
"It is absolutely fair that Russian skies, the skies of the aggressor, are also not calm today, in a mirror-like way," the Ukrainian president said.
Ukraine launched successive drone attacks on Moscow this week, forcing the closure of all four airports serving the Russian capital.
In photos: Soldiers and tanks line up as Moscow gears up for Victory Parade celebrations
08:01
,
Arpan Rai
Ukraine says no Russian missiles targeted country but soldiers attacked on frontline
07:45
,
Arpan Rai
Ukraine has not registered any Russian missiles or drones in its airspace as of 8am local time (5am GMT), the country's air force said this morning, after Russia declared a three-day ceasefire.
However, Russian forces have violated the ceasefire with smaller ammunition in Ukraine’s Sumy region where their aircraft launched guided bombs at least three times in the early hours today, Ukraine's air force said.
Russian assaults have also continued on Ukrainian forces on the war frontline, despite Vladimir Putin claiming the ceasefire would be observed across all fronts of the war.
Viktor Trehubov, a military spokesperson for Ukraine's eastern front, said Russia had waged military assaults in several areas after midnight.
Ukraine's general staff said there had been 139 clashes on the entire frontline as of 10pm Ukrainian time (7pm GMT) on Wednesday and 196 for the past day as of 8am this morning.
In photos: Putin greets guests in Moscow for Victory Day
07:22
,
Arpan Rai
Russia denies it opposes ceasefire in Ukraine
07:14
,
Arpan Rai
Russia has never opposed a ceasefire in Ukraine, its foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said yesterday.
Responding to remarks by US envoy Keith Kellogg that Russian president Vladimir Putin may be obstructing a comprehensive ceasefire, Ms Zakharova expressed surprise at such allegations.
"The only obstacle to the ceasefire is Kyiv, which violates agreements and is unwilling to seriously discuss the terms of a long-term ceasefire," Ms Zakharova said.
A ceasefire along the entire front line involves a lot of nuances that need to be worked out, the Russian official said.
Ukraine has said it is open to an immediate and unconditional 30-day ceasefire to allow for full peace talks, and accuses Russia of using short truces – like this weekend's around its Victory Day celebrations – for logistical, military or propaganda purposes.
‘What the hell’s going on?’: Biden slams Trump for ‘appeasing’ Putin in first interview since leaving office
07:00
,
Arpan Rai
Former president Joe Biden has rebuked Donald Trump’s handling of Vladimir Putin and Russia’s conflict with Ukraine as “modern-day appeasement” in his first interview since leaving the White House in January.
The Democrat sat for a wide-ranging interview with the BBC in Delaware this week, addressing the current state of global affairs and his thoughts on his successor.
Mr Biden responded with blistering criticism when pressed for his opinion on Mr Trump’s behavior since taking office, including the president’s threats against Greenland, making Canada the 51st state, talking about acquiring the Panama Canal, and renaming the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America.
How Putin marked Russia’s Victory Day parade with single tank for second year running
06:50
,
Arpan Rai
In the past two years, Russian president Vladimir Putin has marked his country’s annual Victory Day celebrations with a single tank while the war in Ukraine rages on.
The lone tank was accompanied by armoured vehicles and saluting soldiers as it was met with cheers from crowds in Moscow’s Red Square last year.
Before Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the parade would involve more than 20 tanks on display as a celebration of the country’s military might.
The T-34, an 83-year-old relic, has traditionally opened the annual display because of its symbolic role in helping Russia to overcome Nazi Germany. However, the Soviet-era tank is normally accompanied by more modern fighting machines in a full display of Moscow’s power.
All you need to know about Putin's Victory Day celebrations in Moscow today
06:40
,
Arpan Rai
Victory Day, which is celebrated in Russia on 9 May, has become the country’s most important secular holiday.
A massive parade through Red Square and other ceremonies underline Moscow’s efforts to project its power and cement the alliances it has forged while seeking a counterbalance to the West amid the three-year-old war in Ukraine.
“For [Vladimir] Putin, this day is important as a demonstration how broad a coalition backing Russia is,” said political analyst Nikolai Petrov.
The lineup of leaders coming to Moscow this year contrasts sharply to some past celebrations that drew top Western leaders at a time of friendlier ties between Russia and the West.
The festivities have been overshadowed by reports of Ukrainian drone attacks targeting Moscow and severe disruptions at all four of the capital's airports, with dozens of flights delayed or canceled, stranding hundreds of passengers.
Tightened security around the celebrations also led to restrictions on cellphone internet service and reports of outages.
Banks and taxi firms have preemptively warned customers about disruption to services over the holidays due to unstable internet access, and some shops and supermarkets have restricted deliveries due to potential network problems.
Putin builds life-sized Reichstag replica for Russia’s Victory Day re-enactment
06:30
,
Arpan Rai
Russia has built a life-sized replica of the Reichstag building for its Victory Day re-enactment of the country's capture by Soviet forces in the Second World War.
The life-sized replica has been built at an amusement park in Moscow for the re-enactment showing the moment the Soviet flag was hoisted above Germany’s parliament building in the final days of World War Two.
The replica features bullet holes, rubbles and historical military vehicles.
The play, entitled Victory! will take place twice a day in May, alongside Moscow’s annual victory parade.
France and Germany in close contact over Ukraine
06:15
,
Arpan Rai
France and Germany are in close contact regarding a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, French president Emmanuel Macron said on Wednesday, speaking alongside new German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the Elysee palace.
"There is only one question that needs to be answered: is Russia ready for a ceasefire lasting at least 30 days in order to be able to build a solid and lasting ceasefire? Will the Russian president be, at last, true to his word, in particular the one given during talks with the US administration?” Mr Macron said.
"We will be there to accompany this 30-day ceasefire and build a lasting and solid peace. And we (France and Germany) are in close contact," he added.
