Russia-Ukraine War: Ceasefire Fails as Hostilities Continue on Day 1,171 Amid Diplomatic Efforts

On May 10, 2025, the 1,171st day of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, a ceasefire declared by Russia failed, with continued hostilities reported. Ukrainian and European leaders met in Kyiv to propose a 30-day truce, while fighting persisted with drone strikes and artillery shelling. Diplomatic efforts included Western pressure on Moscow and a show of unity in Kyiv. Russia's Victory Day parade in Moscow highlighted its ongoing territorial ambitions. The EU approved a tribunal to prosecute Russia and announced military aid for Ukraine. U.S. President Trump supported the truce proposal and warned of new sanctions against Russia.

Ceasefire in Name Only: Clashes Continue Across Frontlines

The ceasefire declared by Russia from May 8 to 10, intended to mark the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory in World War II, failed to hold. Ukrainian officials dismissed the truce as a “farce,” citing 162 armed clashes, 22 airstrikes, and nearly 1,000 drone attacks within a 24-hour period leading up to Saturday. The Ukrainian military reported that Russian forces attempted to breach Ukrainian lines 51 times, with particularly heavy fighting near Pokrovsk, a key logistics hub in Donetsk Oblast that has been under sustained Russian pressure for months.

In the southeastern Zaporizhzhia region, Russian forces reportedly shelled eight front-line villages 220 times since the ceasefire began. Additional strikes were recorded in Kherson and Dnipropetrovsk, wounding at least two civilians. In the northeastern Sumy region, three civilians were killed in clashes on Thursday and Friday, according to local authorities.

Ukrainian Counterstrikes and Cross-Border Operations

Ukraine continued its strategy of targeting Russian military infrastructure beyond the frontlines. Ukrainian drones reportedly struck Shaykovka air base for the second time in six weeks, targeting Kh-22 missiles before they could be launched. These preemptive strikes are part of a broader Ukrainian effort to degrade Russia’s long-range strike capabilities.

Meanwhile, Russia accused Ukraine of launching multiple cross-border attacks into the Belgorod and Kursk regions. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed that Ukrainian forces attempted to breach the border four times in the past week and carried out 15 attacks during the ceasefire period. In Belgorod, a Ukrainian drone reportedly hit a government building, while pro-Russian sources described “high-intensity fighting” near the village of Tetkino in Kursk Oblast.

Victory Day in Moscow: Symbolism and Strategic Shifts

While fighting raged on, Moscow held its annual Victory Day parade on Red Square. President Putin used the occasion to reaffirm Russia’s commitment to achieving its war aims in Ukraine, referring to Sevastopol and Odesa as integral to Russia’s “greatness.” The parade was heavily guarded, with over 280 missile systems reportedly redeployed to protect the capital, leaving other regions more vulnerable to Ukrainian strikes.

Putin’s speech, steeped in Soviet nostalgia, was interpreted by analysts as a signal of continued territorial ambitions. The Kremlin’s refusal to agree to a broader ceasefire without conditions—such as halting Western arms deliveries and removing foreign peacekeepers from Ukraine—underscored Moscow’s hardened stance.

Diplomatic Front: Kyiv Hosts European Leaders, Pushes for 30-Day Truce

In a significant diplomatic development, the leaders of Britain, France, Germany, and Poland arrived in Kyiv on Saturday to demonstrate solidarity with Ukraine and advocate for a 30-day ceasefire starting Monday. The initiative, backed by U.S. President Donald Trump, aims to create space for renewed peace talks and humanitarian relief.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed readiness to implement the truce immediately, while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declared that “the ball is now in Russia’s court.” The coalition of Western allies warned that failure to comply would result in intensified sanctions and increased military support for Ukraine.

However, the Kremlin rejected the proposal outright. Presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the threat of sanctions as a “waste of time” and reiterated Russia’s demand for Western concessions before any long-term ceasefire could be considered.

Legal and Military Aid Developments

In parallel with battlefield and diplomatic developments, European ministers approved the creation of a special tribunal to prosecute Russia for its aggression against Ukraine. The European Union also announced plans to provide Ukraine with over one million artillery shells in 2025 and to allocate more than $2 billion in military aid sourced from frozen Russian assets.

These measures reflect a growing consensus among Ukraine’s allies that sustained support is essential to counter Russia’s ongoing offensive. Ukrainian forces have increasingly relied on drone warfare and long-range strikes to offset shortages in conventional weaponry, a situation that Western officials warn could become critical by early summer without additional aid.

U.S. Position: Trump Calls for Ceasefire, Warns Russia

President Trump, who has oscillated in his stance on Ukraine, has recently adopted a more assertive tone. On Friday, he called on both Putin and Zelenskyy to “get this war ended” and backed the European-led 30-day ceasefire proposal. Trump also warned of new sanctions against Moscow and emphasized that the U.S. still has $3.8 billion in Presidential Drawdown Authority available for direct military aid to Ukraine.

The shift comes amid warming ties between Trump and Zelenskyy, highlighted by the recent ratification of a joint economic and reconstruction fund known as the “minerals deal.” While the agreement does not include military guarantees, it signals a broader alignment between Washington and Kyiv at a critical juncture in the war.

Humanitarian Impact and Civilian Toll

The continued fighting has taken a heavy toll on civilians. In addition to the casualties in Sumy, Kherson, and Dnipropetrovsk, Ukrainian officials reported widespread damage to infrastructure and homes in front-line communities. The failure of the ceasefire to reduce hostilities has raised concerns among humanitarian organizations, particularly as the summer months approach and displacement pressures increase.

References

• Ukraine war latest: Russia continues to attack Ukraine while Victory Day celebrations underway in Moscow
• Institute for the Study of War
• Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 1,171
• Russo-Ukrainian war, day 1171: Ukraine strikes Russian missiles before launch
• Ukraine war briefing: US embassy in Kyiv issues warning of ‘potentially significant’ air attack
• Trump tacks toward Ukraine amid renewed calls for ceasefire
• Ukraine, allies want truce with Russia starting Monday – DW – 05/10/2025