Russia rotates forces, deploys reserves taking advantage of ceasefire
Russian forces have gone silent amid ceasefire (photo: Russian Defense Ministry)
The Russian army tries to pause fighting during the ceasefire period, but uses it to strengthen its offensive capabilities, reports Viktor Trehubov, head of communications for the Joint Forces Group of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
"Yes, they are actually quieter right now. Today specifically, they are really trying to take a pause and use it… for rotation, for bringing in forces, and generally for restoring their offensive capabilities," Trehubov said.
At the same time, he added that the Ukrainian army is also using this time to improve logistics and carry out rotations.
"It looks like it is today when Russians did not want possible incidents related to the parade," the head of communications concluded.
Fighting on fronts
Despite the declared ceasefire, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that, as of 4:00 p.m. today, 51 combat engagements had already occurred along the front.
Russia has intensified pressure in eastern and southern Ukraine. The highest number of clashes was recorded in the Pokrovsk and Huliaipole directions.
Zelenskyy allows Moscow parade
At the beginning of the week, Russia's Ministry of Defense announced a ceasefire on May 8–9. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy proposed starting the ceasefire on May 6, which Russia ultimately violated. As a result, Ukraine responded in kind on the nights of May 7 and 8.
On the evening of May 8, US President Donald Trump stated that a three-day ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia would take place on May 9, 10, and 11.
President Zelenskyy later confirmed this information and announced a prisoner swap. He also issued a decree excluding Red Square from Ukraine's list of targets on May 9 and allowing Russia to hold its parade in Moscow. Regarding other territories, Zelenskyy said Ukraine would act reciprocally.
Reports also emerged that Donald Trump suggested the ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia could last beyond May 11.
