Kyiv: The three-day ceasefire agreement between Russia and Ukraine, brokered by the United States, is encountering significant challenges on its second day, with both nations accusing each other of breaches through weekend attacks. The ceasefire was intended to provide a temporary pause in hostilities, but reports of violations have marred its implementation.
According to Thai News Agency, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense reported that at least three people were killed in a Russian drone strike near the front lines in the 24 hours leading up to the end of Sunday. The ministry also noted more than 200 clashes since Saturday, despite the ceasefire. In response, Ukrainian forces shot down 27 Russian drones in various areas throughout Sunday.
Similarly, the Russian Ministry of Defense claimed that Ukraine violated the ceasefire by launching drone strikes and artillery attacks on Russian troops. The Russian side reported shooting down 57 Ukrainian drones in the past 24 hours and stated that Russian forces had retaliated on the battlefield.
The ceasefire was proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump to coincide with Russia's Victory Day celebrations from May 9-11. Despite mutual accusations of violations, the U.S. government continues to advocate for the exchange of 1,000 prisoners of war from each side, as initially planned. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expects the U.S. to ensure security during this process.
Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested that the war was nearing its end during a Victory Day speech on Saturday. However, the Kremlin maintains its demand for Ukraine's withdrawal of troops from the Donbass region, a condition Ukraine refuses to accept. Yuri Uchakov, an aide to the Russian president, indicated that US Special Representatives Steve Vittkov and Jared Kushner might visit Moscow soon to discuss the situation.
The German government has expressed skepticism about President Putin's proposal to appoint former German Chancellor Gerhard Schr¶der as a mediator for peace talks. German sources criticized the proposal as lacking credibility and suggested it might be an attempt to create divisions within the Western alliance. The German government emphasized that any negotiations with the European Union should involve close coordination with member states and Ukraine.
Schroeder's office declined to comment on the mediation proposal. The former German leader, who is 82, has faced criticism in Germany for his close ties to Putin and his involvement with a Russian energy company following his tenure as Chancellor.