Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to hold the front line despite assertions by Russian occupiers of a purported “ceasefire” on this special day – Victory Day
Although the Kremlin has issued promises to cease military actions, the real situation at the front lines tells a very different story: engagements and shelling persist in several key directions, and it is quite possible that Russian troops are seeking any excuse to escalate their offensive operations. According to Major Viktor Tregubov, spokesperson for the Operational-Strategic Group of Forces "Khortytsia," during a broadcast of the national telethon, the situation remains tense despite the declared "ceasefire." "The enemy is less active; in some sectors, there have been no clashes at all this morning. However, active hostilities continued in other areas of the front. Specifically, overnight they launched assaults and shelling in several key directions. Evidence of this includes fighting near Lyman and Vovchansk, including in the city of Vovchansk itself, as well as in the regions of Kramatorsk, Toretsk, Shcherbinka, and Pokrovsk, as well as on the Novopavlivka sector. All these facts indicate that Ukrainian troops are capable of defending and providing a worthy counterattack to the enemy, who, despite the proclaimed 'ceasefire,' continues active offensive actions," the officer emphasized. He provided more detail on the situation in one of the hottest sectors of the front – the Pokrovsk direction. According to him, there are fierce defensive battles ongoing involving Ukrainian forces, while Russian troops are trying to advance in different directions. The enemy’s efforts are concentrated west of the city, near the Pokrovsk – Kostiantynivka highway, as well as slightly south, in the area of reinforcement on the Novopavlivka sector. The Russians aim to sever supply routes by crossing the highway to complicate logistics for Ukrainian forces or to breakthrough toward Pavlohrad, attempting to establish a foothold and strengthen their positions. "Overall, we have recorded over 65 clashes in this sector, which, although fewer than on some previous days, still signals intense fighting and makes it the hottest part of the front at the moment. The enemy does not cease trying to establish a tactical position – whether it’s attempting to cross the Pokrovsk – Kostiantynivka highway, complicate communication between these towns, or reach the highway toward Pavlohrad. Additionally, Russian forces are attempting to assist their compatriots in the Novopavlivka area to facilitate further advances along the front, although these efforts have not yet yielded the desired results. They planned to complete this offensive by May 9, but according to Ukrainian intelligence estimates, they have so far been unable to achieve such goals,” concluded Viktor Tregubov. Overall, the situation at the front remains difficult and unstable. Armed conflicts continue actively on both sides, and Ukrainian defenders demonstrate resilience and the ability to hold the line even under the most challenging conditions. The proclaimed "ceasefire" is merely a declaration; on actual sectors of the front, active fighting continues, indicating the severity of the situation and the difficulties for the occupiers, who are trying to push Ukrainian forces out of critical positions by all means. It is still too early to speak of a durable truce, as the war persists, and each new day brings new challenges for Ukraine’s defenders.