Despite Russian President Vladimir Putin’s declaration of a three-day ceasefire beginning May 9, 2025, Ukrainian soldiers on the front lines report continued hostilities, casting doubt on the truce’s effectiveness. At a field hospital in Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia region, wounded soldiers arrive with injuries sustained from ongoing shelling and drone attacks, indicating that the ceasefire is not being honored.
One soldier, identified only as Stanislav, sat in the field hospital with his arm wrapped in a blood-soaked gauze bandage. He expressed skepticism about the ceasefire, stating, “There hasn’t been any ceasefire. Shelling has continued just as before, drones are flying just as before.
Medical staff at the facility corroborate these accounts, noting that the influx of wounded soldiers has not abated. Oleh, a medic at the hospital, remarked that the situation remains unchanged, with continuous shelling and drone activity. He added that such ceasefire declarations often coincide with increased Russian military operations, suggesting a pattern of using truces as strategic ploys.
The ceasefire announcement coincided with Russia’s Victory Day celebrations on May 9, commemorating the end of World War II. While the Kremlin framed the truce as a gesture of goodwill, Ukrainian officials dismissed it as a deceptive tactic. They argue that Russia has a history of violating ceasefires and using them to regroup and launch further offensives
International reactions to the ceasefire have been mixed. European leaders, including those from Britain, France, Germany, and Poland, have called for a more substantial, unconditional 30-day ceasefire to begin on May 12, warning of severe sanctions against Russia for non-compliance. The United States, under President Donald Trump, supports this initiative, emphasizing the need for a genuine halt to hostilities.
The ongoing conflict has taken a significant toll on Ukrainian forces. Reports indicate that many soldiers are suffering from exhaustion and a shortage of ammunition, further complicating their ability to defend against continued Russian aggression.
As the situation unfolds, the credibility of ceasefire agreements remains in question, with frontline experiences starkly contrasting official declarations. The international community continues to monitor developments closely, urging both parties to commit to genuine peace efforts.
Source: Reuters
