Milan, 8 May (LaPresse) – ‘Despite the ceasefire declaration, the Ukrainian armed forces have continued to launch drone and artillery attacks against our troops’ positions, as well as against civilian targets in the border areas of the Belgorod and Kursk regions.’ This was stated in a note by the Russian Ministry of Defence, adding that the Russian army responded to the ceasefire violations by launching retaliatory strikes. This was reported by Russian news agencies. The statement comes on the eve of the Russian public holiday on 9 May, when the country celebrates Victory Day, marking the anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in the Second World War. Moscow has unilaterally declared a ceasefire for 8 and 9 May. Ukraine had responded by announcing an early suspension of hostilities, but Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has complained that whilst Ukraine was ready to “ensure total silence”, Moscow ignored this gesture of goodwill and launched new attacks. “They want Ukraine’s permission to hold their parade, so they can take to the streets safely for an hour once a year, only to then go back to killing our people and waging war,” Zelensky said in his regular evening video address on Thursday.