Ukraine's cities quiet as Kremlin-sponsored ceasefire kicks in
However, a Ukrainian military spokesperson told Reuters Russian troops had continued assaults in several areas on the eastern front. The air force said Russian aircraft had launched guided bombs on the Sumy region of northern Ukraine three times.
But the air force also said there had been no Russian missiles or drones in Ukrainian airspace since the Kremlin-sponsored ceasefire kicked in. There was no word on damage and Reuters could not independently verify the reports of attacks.
The Russian ceasefire, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the World War 2 defeat of Nazi Germany, went into effect at midnight Moscow time (9pm GMT).
As part of the anniversary events, Russian President Vladimir Putin is hosting Chinese President Xi Jinping and other leaders in Moscow and will review a military parade on Moscow's Red Square on May 9.
Ukraine has not committed to abide by the Kremlin's ceasefire, calling it a ruse by Putin to create the impression he wants to end the war, which began when Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Putin says he is committed to achieving peace.
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