KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — 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.

Fighting continued despite Moscow’s declared three-day ceasefire, with seven people killed in Ukraine by Russian strikes.

The ceasefire coincides with Russia's biggest secular holiday, the 80th anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to host heads of states for festivities Friday marking the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II.

Russia celebrates the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory in the second world war on May 9. But while the cameras will focus on the assembled ranks of elderly war survivors watching the military parade in Red Square, Moscow, the focus of senior officials is on Russia’s children and young people.

President Vladimir Putin is hosting Russia’s celebrations for the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. The outcome of the war he started in Ukraine remains far from certain.