Fighting Continues as Russia Declares 72-Hour Truce/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Russia and Ukraine reported continued attacks despite a 72-hour unilateral ceasefire declared by Moscow during its Victory Day commemorations. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s parliament ratified a major minerals deal with the U.S., deepening bilateral ties and launching a joint reconstruction fund. The developments come as President Putin hosts Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Moscow to underscore global alliances.
Ukraine-Russia Ceasefire & U.S. Deal Quick Looks
- Ceasefire Breakdown: Russia and Ukraine accuse each other of violating Moscow’s declared 72-hour truce.
- Civilian Casualties: At least one civilian was killed in a Russian airstrike on Sumy, Ukraine reports.
- U.S.-Ukraine Minerals Deal: Kyiv ratifies landmark pact granting U.S. access to critical minerals.
- Strategic Investment: Deal includes a joint investment fund for Ukraine’s reconstruction.
- Victory Day Diplomacy: Putin hosts Xi Jinping during Russia’s key national holiday.
- Military Tensions: Ukraine reports 734 Russian ceasefire violations in 12 hours.
- U.S. Peace Plan Stalled: March truce proposal from the U.S. accepted by Ukraine, not Russia.
- Drone Alerts in Russia: Several Russian regions face drone threats; no major damage reported.
- Putin-Xi Ties Strengthen: Leaders highlight their partnership in contrast to Western criticism.
- Western Sanctions Bypassed: China supplies Russia with machinery and electronics amid sanctions.
Deep Look: Ukraine-Russia Conflict Escalates Despite Ceasefire as U.S. Strategic Deal Advances
Despite a 72-hour ceasefire unilaterally declared by Russian President Vladimir Putin to mark Victory Day, both Ukraine and Russia reported active military engagements on Thursday. The truce, which Putin intended to coincide with celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of Nazi Germany’s defeat, was marred by continued strikes and accusations, revealing the ongoing volatility of the conflict as it nears its third year.
At the same time, Ukraine’s parliament moved forward on a strategic economic front, ratifying a historic minerals agreement with the United States, a step set to bolster Ukraine’s reconstruction and deepen ties with Washington.
Ceasefire in Name Only
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha sharply criticized Russia’s ceasefire announcement, describing it as a “farce.” According to Sybiha, Russia carried out 734 attacks between midnight and midday Thursday, including 63 assault operations, with 23 still underway at the time of reporting.
“These actions show Putin’s word means nothing,” Sybiha posted on X, formerly Twitter.
Other strikes included a deadly air bomb attack on a residential area in Sumy near the Russian border, killing one and injuring two. Additional shelling was reported near Chasiv Yar in Donetsk, where Russia continues to press its advantage.
Ukraine’s military noted that no major missile or drone attacks were launched overnight, a departure from recent patterns. Still, ground operations and regional skirmishes persisted.
Putin’s ceasefire move is widely viewed by Ukrainian leaders as an attempt to stage-manage optics for Russia’s Victory Day ceremonies and downplay the ongoing war during high-profile diplomatic visits.
U.S.-Ukraine Minerals Deal Clears Key Hurdle
In a move signaling Ukraine’s shifting geopolitical and economic priorities, the Verkhovna Rada (Ukraine’s parliament) overwhelmingly approved a minerals deal with the United States. The agreement gives Washington access to Ukraine’s critical and largely untapped mineral resources, essential for defense, clean energy, and technology sectors.
- Vote Outcome: 338 lawmakers voted in favor; none opposed or abstained.
- Agreement Scope: Includes a joint U.S.-Ukraine investment fund to support postwar reconstruction.
- Strategic Significance: Deepens U.S.-Ukraine alliance amid protracted conflict.
Ukrainian Economy Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko called the deal “a foundation of a new model of interaction with a key strategic partner.”
This agreement is a counterweight to Russia’s regional aggression, further integrating Ukraine into Western economic frameworks while cementing U.S. interests in Eastern Europe.
Putin Welcomes Xi Amid Rising Tensions
As attacks continued, President Putin hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping in Moscow, using the occasion to project strength and unity against perceived Western pressure.
Putin described Xi as “our main guest” at the Victory Day events and praised the wartime “brotherhood of arms” between the Soviet Union and China. He emphasized that their growing strategic partnership is aimed at mutual benefit rather than targeting other nations.
Xi echoed the sentiment, calling the alliance “a necessity for the friendship between the two peoples from generation to generation,” and advocated for “international fairness and justice.”
This visit underlines China’s pivotal role as Russia’s economic and diplomatic backstop amid sweeping Western sanctions.
Security Alerts Inside Russia
On the Russian home front, officials reported overnight drone threat alerts across several regions, including Belgorod, Orenburg, Ryazan, and Tambov. Russia’s civil aviation authority also temporarily restricted flights in and out of Nizhny Novgorod.
Although no significant drone strikes were confirmed, the alerts reflect Moscow’s ongoing vulnerability to cross-border operations and internal dissent.
Looking Ahead
The 72-hour ceasefire, set to run through the Victory Day weekend, appears unlikely to hold. Ukraine has signaled that its counteroffensive efforts remain active, and the U.S.-led peace initiative continues to stall with Russia demanding terms Kyiv deems unacceptable.
The minerals deal and increasing Western alignment signal Ukraine’s long-term strategy of economic integration with its allies, even as the battlefield remains unstable.
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