Ukraine's Soldiers and Civilians Reject Russia's Ceasefire Claims

Reports from the Donetsk region highlight a stark reality, with Ukrainian soldiers and civilians denying the existence of a ceasefire called by Russia. Continuous military skirmishes resonate in the background as both sides express distrust over Russia's intentions, emphasizing the hardships faced by those caught in the crossfire.

In the eastern Donetsk region of Ukraine, the echoes of artillery fire tell a different story than the one suggested by Russia's announced ceasefire. Soldier Max, aged 26, when asked about the ceasefire, remarked, "you don't think about things like that here." His sentiments capture the grim reality in a region heavily engaged in conflict.

Despite Russian President Vladimir Putin's declaration for a three-day ceasefire to honor Victory Day on May 8, soldiers report no decrease in hostilities. Serhii, a soldier with the 3rd Operational Brigade of the National Guard, confirmed, "Yes, they have been attacking overnight," revealing continued airstrikes using glide bombs and drones. He stated, "There is no truce. We are always prepared for anything."

The Ukrainian leadership, including President Volodymyr Zelensky, has dismissed the unilateral ceasefire proposal, advocating instead for a more comprehensive 30-day truce, a call echoed by U.S. President Donald Trump, who warned of impending sanctions should the ceasefire be violated.

As military engagements persist, soldiers like Max maintain a focus on their immediate tasks, asserting that emotions and outside negotiations cannot sway their operations. "You have to have 'tunnel vision'," he emphasized, as any distractions could jeopardize their safety.

In the nearby city of Dobropillya, many civilians, including Svitlana, who has relocated from Pokrovsk, express hopelessness over the situation. She described the sounds of distant explosions as proof that any notion of peace is merely illusory. "That is the sound of Russia's ceasefire. That's why I say we should never trust them," she stated candidly.

Conversely, Oleksandr, a 65-year-old resident, revealed his mounting fears for his family amidst ongoing threats. "I’m afraid. I have my wife and son here. I’m scared we might be forced to flee our homes," he confessed, his eyes welling with tears.

Soldiers and civilians alike report a complex interplay of fear, distrust, and a grim determination to survive as they navigate the turbulent realities of war in Ukraine.