KYIV, May 11: A US-brokered 72-hour ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine was due to expire on Monday, with both sides accusing each other of violating the temporary truce.
Ukrainian authorities said Russian drones, artillery, and airstrikes hit civilian areas in Kharkiv and Kherson, killing at least two people and injuring seven. Russia’s Defence Ministry, meanwhile, claimed Ukraine had committed more than 1,000 ceasefire violations during the period, according to state media reports.
The ceasefire, announced by US President Donald Trump, was intended as a short pause in fighting and included plans for a large prisoner exchange involving 1,000 detainees from each side.
However, monitoring data reviewed by the Institute for the Study of War indicated that while military activity decreased, it did not fully stop.
Analysts said the absence of enforcement mechanisms, monitoring systems, and clear dispute-resolution processes made the truce fragile and unlikely to hold.
The temporary halt was also linked symbolically to Russia’s Victory Day commemorations, marking the defeat of Nazi Germany.
Despite US-led diplomatic efforts and European involvement, there has been little progress toward a broader peace settlement after more than four years of war.
Major disagreements remain entrenched. Moscow continues to demand control over Ukraine’s Donbas region, while Kyiv refuses to concede territory and has instead proposed a ceasefire followed by direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which he has rejected unless a near-final deal is reached.
European Union officials, including foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, emphasized the need for coordination among member states before engaging Russia diplomatically.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Ukraine supports US-led peace efforts but also wants stronger European participation in negotiations.
Meanwhile, European leaders and defence officials continued visits to Kyiv to strengthen military cooperation.
Several NATO and EU countries have also reported drone incidents and airspace violations linked to the wider conflict, underscoring rising regional security concerns even as frontline fighting continues. (AP)
