Events to mark the holiday in the occupied territories seem to be an effort to show Russian control of land it has captured.

Russian President Vladimir Putin led celebrations marking 80th anniversary of the end of World War II with a parade in Moscow's Red Square of 11,000 troops, with World War II-era T-34 tanks alongside advanced weaponry.

Russia is expected to begin a self-declared three-day pause in fighting against Ukraine on Wednesday night, in a move derided by many Ukrainians and described by President Volodymyr Zelensky as little more than a "theatrical show".

Russian attacks on northeastern Ukraine killed at least one person as the country’s air force issued several alerts for missile and bomb attacks, despite a unilateral ceasefire ordered by President Vladimir Putin.

On May 7, air raid alerts became more frequent across Ukraine, and overnight, Russia launched another combined strike. It is worth noting that the Russian army intensified its actions on the eve of the so-called ceasefire announced by President Vladimir Putin.