Zelenskyy Says Russia Made “Not Even a Token Attempt” at Ceasefire, “Ukraine Will Respond”

Russian forces continued attacking Ukrainian positions overnight despite Moscow’s publicly declared ceasefire, with more than 140 strikes recorded along the front line by 7 a.m., Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on May 8.

According to Zelenskyy, Russian troops carried out 10 assault operations overnight, with the heaviest fighting reported in the Slovyansk sector. He added that Russian forces also launched more than 850 drone strikes using FPV drones, Lancet loitering munitions, reconnaissance UAVs, and other unmanned systems.

“Over the course of last night, the Russian army continued to strike Ukrainian positions. As of 7 a.m., more than 140 strikes on frontline positions had been recorded,” Zelenskyy said.

“During the night, the Russians carried out 10 assaults, the largest number of them in the Slovyansk sector. They also launched more than 850 strikes with drones of various types – FPVs, ‘Lancets,’ and others. There were attack drones as well. The use of reconnaissance drones in the skies over frontline communities also did not stop,” he added.

The Ukrainian president said the continued attacks demonstrated that Russia had made “not even a token attempt” to actually halt combat operations.

“All of this clearly shows that, on the Russian side, there was not even a token attempt to cease fire on the front,” Zelenskyy stated.

“As we did over the past 24 hours, Ukraine will respond in kind today as well. We will defend our positions and people’s lives. Russia must end its war, and everyone will truly see it when movement toward peace begins. Glory to Ukraine!”

Ukraine’s General Staff separately reported that 208 combat engagements took place across the front line over the previous day.

Read more

Category

War in Ukraine

Russia's History of Ceasefire Violations and What It Can Tell Us About Today

Mar 20, 2025 16:31

Meanwhile, the Ukrainian Air Force said Russia launched 67 strike drones overnight despite the announced truce. The attack included Shahed drones, jet-powered variants, Gerbera and Italmas UAVs, as well as Parodiya decoy drones launched from multiple regions of Russia and occupied Crimea.

According to the Air Force, Ukrainian air defenses destroyed or suppressed 56 enemy drones by 8 a.m., primarily in southern and eastern Ukraine.

However, officials said 11 attack drones still reached targets across eight locations, while debris from intercepted drones fell in seven other areas.

Earlier, Zelenskyy stated that Russia is not seriously considering a ceasefire and remains focused solely on safeguarding its Victory Day parade in Moscow.

Support our frontline reporters

We report from the front lines to show the reality of war. Your support helps us stay there and tell the stories that matter.

DONATE NOW