Russia and Ukraine Blame Each Other for Violating Ceasefire, Short-Term Peace Prospects Remain Gloomy

[Global Times Special Correspondent in Russia, Xiao Xinxin] Following the announcements by Russia and Ukraine of their respective unilateral ceasefires, both sides accused each other of launching attacks on the 6th, casting uncertainty over the prospects for a ceasefire. Ukrainian Defense Minister's advisor Stepanenko stated that Russia's actions in undermining Ukraine's ceasefire, which was set to take effect at midnight on the 6th, rendered its declared so-called Victory Day ceasefire "invalid." Russian Foreign Ministry's Ambassador-at-Large Miroshnik stated on the 6th that Ukraine's attacks on Crimea and other areas indicated that Ukrainian President Zelensky was unable to fulfill his ceasefire declaration and was merely responding to Russia's proposed Victory Day ceasefire initiative with some form of "political show."

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba stated on social media on the 6th that after Ukraine implemented the ceasefire at midnight, Russia continued to launch airstrikes within Ukraine. From the evening of the 5th to the early morning of the 6th, Russian forces used 108 drones and 3 missiles to strike areas including Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia. This indicates Russia's "rejection of peace," and its so-called Victory Day ceasefire "has nothing to do with diplomacy."

According to Ukrainian news agency reports, Zelensky stated on the 6th that Ukraine had confirmed Russia's violation of the ceasefire and would decide on the next steps based on reports from the Ukrainian military and intelligence agencies later that evening. As of 10 a.m. that day, Russian forces had violated the ceasefire a total of 1,820 times. Russian forces also continued to launch attacks across all key frontline areas. The Speaker of the Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada (Parliament), Stefanchuk, stated on the same day that Russia's violation of the ceasefire was a "deliberate and despicable trick," and therefore Ukraine would "not harbor any illusions" about the ceasefire.

According to TASS, Ukrainian forces attacked the Chonhar area in Crimea from the night of the 5th to the early morning of the 6th, resulting in the deaths of 5 civilians. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zakharova condemned this act by Ukraine on the 6th as "an act of terrorism." The Russian Ministry of Defense reported on the 6th that from the night of the 5th to the morning of the 6th, Russian air defense systems intercepted and destroyed 53 Ukrainian drones in multiple locations, including Moscow Oblast and Crimea. The Deputy Chairman of the International Affairs Committee of the Federation Council (the upper house of Parliament), Jabbarov, stated on the 6th that Ukraine's attacks were "yet another provocation," and if Ukraine did not comply with the Victory Day ceasefire, it would face "more intense and painful strikes" from Russia.

Bloomberg reported on the 6th that Russia had not previously indicated it would comply with the ceasefire time proposed by Ukraine. After Ukraine was attacked by Russian drones and missiles, Ukraine has not mentioned whether it would adhere to the Victory Day ceasefire. This has heightened the current situation's tension. The report also noted that the prospects for peace between Russia and Ukraine remain bleak in the short term.

According to RIA Novosti on the 6th, Zakharova stated that the personnel responsible for negotiations on Ukraine from the U.S. side are now fully engaged in addressing the situation in the Middle East. Russia is open to a negotiation process and contacts that can yield tangible results. Russia has never abandoned negotiations but expresses skepticism about Ukraine's willingness to negotiate.

According to a statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry on the 5th, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov spoke by phone with U.S. Secretary of State Rubio that day to discuss the agenda for a bilateral meeting and exchange views on the current international situation and Russia-U.S. relations. The content of the call was described as "constructive and pragmatic." Additionally, according to the U.S. State Department's website, State Department spokesperson Pigott stated on the 5th that this call was made at Rubio's request to Lavrov. The two sides discussed U.S.-Russia relations, the Russia-Ukraine war, and issues related to Iran.