Russia and Ukraine trade accusations of violating ceasefire

On May 8 and 9, 2026, Russia and Ukraine traded mutual accusations regarding the violation of an announced ceasefire. The truce was initially declared by Russia for two days to commemorate the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany, with reports on May 9 referring to a three-day duration. The Russian Ministry of Defense reported the interception of 264 Ukrainian drones targeting Moscow on May 8, while Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin separately confirmed the destruction of 20 additional drones. In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russian forces continued to strike Ukrainian positions, allegedly launching over 850 drone attacks. Both sides reported casualties and injuries following these exchanges. Ukraine's General Staff reported 51 Russian attacks on its territory, while Russia claimed its actions were a symmetrical response to Ukrainian ceasefire violations.