A temporary ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine came under pressure on its second day as both countries accused each other of continuing attacks. According to Beyond Time News, fresh clashes and drone strikes raised new doubts about ongoing peace efforts.
The three-day ceasefire began on Friday as part of a wider US-led push to reduce tensions and restart peace talks. Despite the agreement, fighting continued in several frontline areas over the weekend.
Drone Attacks Leave Several Dead and Injured
Ukrainian officials said Russian drone attacks killed three people in areas close to the front line. The deaths were reported in the Zaporizhzhia, Dnipropetrovsk, and Kherson regions.
Authorities also reported injuries in several regions. In the Kharkiv region, drone strikes injured eight people, including two children. The attacks damaged residential areas and nearby settlements.
In the Kherson region, officials reported that artillery and drone attacks wounded seven more people, including a child.
According to Beyond Time News, a Russian drone also struck a rescue vehicle in the Dnipropetrovsk region. The attack injured a 23-year-old emergency worker.
Heavy Fighting Continues Along Frontline
Ukraine’s military said nearly 210 clashes took place along the 1,200-kilometre frontline since Saturday.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia reduced large-scale missile attacks but continued assaults in key frontline areas. He added that Ukrainian troops were defending their positions and responding to attacks.
Russia Accuses Ukraine of Breaking Ceasefire
Russia’s Defence Ministry also blamed Ukraine for violating the ceasefire. Officials claimed Russian air defence systems destroyed 57 Ukrainian drones within 24 hours.
Moscow said its forces responded to Ukrainian attacks on the battlefield.
The accusations from both sides increased doubts about the success of the temporary truce. The situation also highlighted the deep mistrust between the two countries.
Read more:Ukraine, Russia to hold second day of direct talks on US plan
Zelenskyy Expects Prisoner Swap
President Zelenskyy said he expects the United States to help guarantee a planned prisoner exchange. The agreement includes the swap of 1,000 prisoners of war from each side.
The planned exchange remains one of the few positive developments during stalled peace negotiations.
Peace Talks Face Major Obstacles
According to Beyond Time News, US-backed peace talks remain stuck because both sides disagree on occupied territories and control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
Russian forces continue their offensive in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk region. Moscow wants Kyiv to give up the remaining territory before reaching a final peace agreement.
Russian officials also gave mixed messages about the future of the war. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said peace remains “a very long way away.” However, Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested the conflict could be nearing its end.
US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected to visit Moscow soon for more talks aimed at reviving the peace process.
Meanwhile, Germany rejected President Putin’s proposal to involve former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder in possible talks between Russia and the European Union.
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