Donetsk Region, Ukraine – Despite Russia’s announcement of a unilateral three-day ceasefire starting on May 8 to mark Victory Day, shelling and drone attacks continued across frontline areas in eastern Ukraine, casting doubt on the sincerity of Moscow’s gesture.
BBC correspondent Yogita Limaye traveled to an artillery position southwest of Pokrovsk and found no signs of a ceasefire on the ground. Explosions echoed across the fields as Ukrainian soldiers reported active overnight bombardments by Russian forces.
“There is no truce,” said Serhii, a soldier with Ukraine’s 3rd Operational Brigade. “Russia can’t be trusted. In the evening they call a truce, and in the morning they attack.” Minutes later, coordinates for a new target arrived over the radio, and Ukrainian forces launched a howitzer shell from a camouflaged clearing.
President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected Moscow’s short-term truce, instead supporting a 30-day ceasefire proposed by the United States. Former U.S. President Donald Trump echoed the proposal on his Truth Social platform, warning that failure to honor the truce would lead to further sanctions.
Soldiers like Max, 26, told the BBC they avoid focusing on political developments while on the frontlines. “You don’t think about things like that here. You wait for a command and act,” he said.
In Dobropillya, a city just 12 miles from Russian lines, displaced civilians like Svitlana and Serhiy voiced deep skepticism. “You can hear the sounds here,” Svitlana said as distant explosions reverberated. “That’s the sound of Russia’s ceasefire.”
At the local market, 65-year-old Oleksandr shared his fears: “It was quieter last night. But now we hear alarms again. I’m scared for my family. I’m not sure we’ll be safe here for much longer.”
The pattern of broken ceasefires and continued violence raises serious doubts over Russia’s intentions and the possibility of diplomatic resolutions. As the Russia-Ukraine war continues into another year, both soldiers and civilians remain in a state of vigilance, bracing for the next strike.
📌 Internal Resources You May Like:
- Zelensky’s 30-Day Peace Proposal
- What Putin Said on Victory Day 2025
- Russia-Ukraine War Daily Updates
Reporting by Yogita Limaye for the BBC. Read the full original story here.
