Despite a temporary ceasefire, Russian forces are continuing attacks “in the directions they consider crucial,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sunday.
In his evening video address, Zelensky said Russia had launched around 150 attacks in the past 24 hours. "This means that on the front line, the Russian army is not adhering to the ceasefire and is not making much of an effort to do so."
The Russian military, for its part, accuses Ukraine of persistent provocations and attacks. In one reported incident, four people were injured in the border region of Belgorod as a result of unspecified Ukrainian strikes. These claims could not be independently verified.
Following mediation by US President Donald Trump, Russia and Ukraine agreed to a three-day ceasefire to coincide with commemorations in Russia marking the anniversary of victory in World War II.
The agreement remains in force through Monday. Should Russia decide to "return to full-scale war" thereafter, Ukraine would respond immediately and in kind, Zelensky said.
Zelensky also confirmed preparations for a US-brokered exchange of 1,000 prisoners of war with Russia. "The prisoner exchange – 1,000 for 1,000 – is being prepared and is set to take place," said Zelensky, adding that the Russian side had already received a list of names.
A day earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin had said he had yet to receive a response from Kiev regarding the planned exchange.
