Overview

• The three-day ceasefire declared by Russia for Victory Day celebrations began on May 8, but both Russian and Ukrainian forces have continued attacks, undermining the truce.
• Ukrainian drone strikes targeted the Moscow region, while Russian guided bombs hit Sumy, with civilian casualties reported on both sides.
• Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Moscow for Victory Day events, meeting with Vladimir Putin to reaffirm Sino-Russian strategic cooperation, which they claim is not aimed against any third party.
• Western nations, including the EU and Italy, have bolstered military aid to Ukraine, with Italy sending 400 M-113 armored vehicles and the EU advocating a heavily armed Ukraine as a deterrent against future aggression.
• U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance criticized Russia's demands in peace negotiations as excessive, emphasizing the need for direct talks between Moscow and Kyiv to advance any resolution.