


KYIV, Ukraine — Russia and Ukraine both reported attacks on their forces Thursday on the first day of a 72-hour ceasefire called by Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Ukrainian lawmakers unanimously approved a landmark minerals deal with the U.S.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha accused Russia of violating its own ceasefire 734 times between midnight and midday Thursday. He called the ceasefire a “farce” on the social media platform X.
The unilateral ceasefire coincides with Russia’s biggest secular holiday, the 80th anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany. Kyiv has pressed for a longer-term ceasefire.
Meanwhile at the Kremlin, Putin welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping for Friday’s Victory Day festivities.
Xi arrived Wednesday for a four-day visit.
The Ukrainian parliament’s ratification of the minerals deal marked a key step in a deal that will allow Washington access to Ukraine’s largely untapped minerals, deepen strategic ties and create a joint investment fund with the U.S.
— The Associated Press