Context:

Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed a three-day ceasefire starting May 8, coinciding with Victory Day, but evidence from the frontlines in Donetsk showed continuous fighting, with Ukrainian soldiers reporting attacks overnight. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected this unilateral ceasefire, advocating instead for a 30-day truce as proposed by the US, with former President Donald Trump threatening sanctions if Russia fails to respect the ceasefire. Ukrainian soldiers and civilians expressed skepticism about Russia's intentions, citing ongoing attacks as proof of insincerity, and emphasizing the need to remain prepared for conflict. Civilians in Dobropillya, like Svitlana and Oleksandr, described the persistent danger and fear for their families, highlighting the disconnect between Russia's ceasefire announcement and the reality on the ground. The situation reflects the ongoing war of attrition, with both sides attempting to wear each other down, and little room for emotions or distractions among those on the frontlines.

Dive Deeper:

• Ukrainian soldiers, including Serhii from the 3rd Operational Brigade, reported ongoing attacks despite Russia's announced ceasefire, indicating that mortar fire and drone activities continued unabated, undermining any trust in the truce.

• The proposed ceasefire was meant to honor Victory Day in Russia, but Ukrainian President Zelensky rejected it, favoring a longer 30-day ceasefire as proposed by the US, with Donald Trump threatening further sanctions if Russia ignores the ceasefire.

• Soldiers like Max emphasized the need for 'tunnel vision', focusing on immediate commands rather than global diplomatic efforts, as ongoing conflict demands constant vigilance and readiness for rapid response.

• Civilians displaced to Dobropillya, such as Svitlana from Pokrovsk, expressed distrust in Russia's ceasefire, associating the continuous sound of explosions with the false promises of peace, and highlighting the psychological and physical toll on communities.

• Residents like Oleksandr, living close to the frontlines, shared their fear and uncertainty, noting sporadic quietness but overall insecurity, as the threat of conflict looms and alarms continue to disrupt daily life.

• Serhiy, another civilian in Dobropillya, viewed Russia's ceasefire as a deceptive tactic to manipulate international perception, asserting that the reality of ongoing hostilities contradicts Russia's peaceful proclamations.

• The report underscores the broader context of a grinding war of attrition, where strategic maneuvers and declarations are often met with skepticism on the ground, and the humanitarian impact remains severe and unresolved.