Three-day ceasefire in Ukraine that was unilaterally declared by Russian President Vladimir Putin last month was set to come into effect at 5 p.m. ET on Wednesday (midnight Moscow time), as Russia prepares to mark the anniversary of its World War II Victory Day on Friday.

Since the beginning of May 7 and up until the evening, shortly before the three-day ceasefire announced by Moscow, 139 combat engagements took place along the frontline. This is more than the previous day (119) and not far off the number reported two days earlier (146),