Ukraine accuses Russia of violating its own truce over 700 times as Kyiv ratifies US minerals deal
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russia and Ukraine both reported attacks on their forces Thursday on the first day of a 72-hour ceasefire called by Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Ukrainian lawmakers unanimously approved a landmark minerals deal with the U.S.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha accused Russia of violating its own ceasefire 734 times between midnight and midday Thursday. He called the ceasefire a “farce” on the social media platform X.
The unilateral ceasefire coincides with Russia’s biggest secular holiday, the 80th anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany. Kyiv has pressed for a longer-term ceasefire.
Meanwhile at the Kremlin, Putin welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping, whom Putin earlier described as Russia’s “main guest” at Friday’s Victory Day festivities. Xi arrived Wednesday for a four-day visit.
https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-ceasefire-89aa0cf9123ca8a55eec9dd8713a4e7b