Ukraine-Russia Ceasefire Collapses as Both Sides Resume Frontline Combat
Primary region Europe
Tags Security · Diplomacy
Regions Europe
The U.S.-mediated three-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine (May 9-11) collapsed with both sides accusing each other of thousands of violations. The Institute for the Study of War reported that Russian forces used the pause to redeploy reserves and accumulate personnel while continuing artillery, drone, and limited ground attacks. NASA FIRMS satellite data showed fires and shelling continued along the entire front. After the ceasefire expired, Russia launched over 200 long-range drones at Ukraine overnight. Ukrainian President Zelensky said Russia was 'not even particularly trying' to observe the truce. One person was killed and four wounded in Dnipropetrovsk region as energy infrastructure, residential buildings, and a kindergarten were struck.
Strategic interpretation
The ceasefire's failure demonstrates that pauses without enforcement mechanisms, credible monitoring, and dispute resolution are unlikely to hold. Russia's use of the truce for military redeployment suggests Moscow is positioning for a sustained offensive rather than a negotiated settlement. The collapse undermines Trump's mediation credibility and may harden European resolve to maintain sanctions and military support for Ukraine.