Putin's unilateral ceasefire is accompanied by attacks and mutual accusations of violations

Russia and Ukraine accused each other on Friday of violating a unilateral two-day ceasefire declared by Russian President Vladimir Putin on the anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany.

Four years after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which sparked the deadliest conflict in Europe since World War II, Russia and Ukraine continue to strike each other with missiles, drones and artillery.

With no clear victory for either side in this long war, Putin declared a ceasefire on May 8 and 9 to coincide with celebrations of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany, one of the most important holidays in Russia.

Kiev deemed a ceasefire for the holiday alone inappropriate and instead demanded a permanent cessation of hostilities, a request that Moscow ignored, Reuters reports.

The Russian Defense Ministry said 264 Ukrainian drones had been shot down in the early hours of Friday, while Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said the capital had been targeted. Officials also added that the Perm Krai region had been attacked by drones.

"Despite the declaration of a ceasefire, the Ukrainian armed forces have continued to launch attacks with unmanned aerial vehicles and artillery against the positions of our troops, as well as against civilian objects in the border regions of Belgorod and Kursk," the Russian Defense Ministry said.

Russia has warned that any attempt by Ukraine to disrupt the Victory Day parade in Red Square will be followed by a massive missile attack on Kiev, even telling foreign diplomats to leave the Ukrainian capital if such an attack occurs.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russian forces had continued attacks overnight, indicating that Russia had made "no real effort to stop the fighting on the frontline."

"As we have done in the last 24 hours, Ukraine will respond in the same way today. We will defend our positions and people's lives," Zelensky said.