Russia's Victory Day Ceasefire Collapses Within Hours — 140+ Attacks and 850+ Drone Strikes Before 7 AM

Russia's declared unilateral ceasefire, effective midnight May 8 through May 10 to mark the 81st anniversary of Victory Day, collapsed almost immediately. By 7:00 a.m. on May 8, Ukraine's President Zelensky documented more than 140 Russian attacks on frontline positions, 10 assault operations, and over 850 drone strikes — continuing at the same combat tempo as any other day of the war. Russia's Defense Ministry simultaneously claimed it shot down 264 Ukrainian drones and reported 'attempted attacks' on Moscow and the Perm region. Both sides accused the other of violations. Ukraine's counter-proposal — a long-term, reliable ceasefire rather than a 48-hour symbolic pause — was rejected by Moscow. Zelensky called Russia's truce 'not serious,' noting Ukraine received no official notification from Moscow. Russia also threatened a 'massive missile strike on the center of Kyiv' if Ukraine disrupted Moscow's May 9 Victory Day parade, prompting a warning to foreign diplomats in Kyiv to leave.