Russia launched a massive attack against Ukraine yesterday using more than 100 drones and three missiles, despite the unilateral ceasefire announced by Volodymyr Zelenskyy. According to Ukrainian authorities, at least 28 civilians were killed in the regions of Donetsk Oblast, Poltava Oblast, and Dnipro, while dozens more were injured, in one of the deadliest Russian attacks of recent weeks. Since last Friday, more than 70 civilians have been killed and over 500 injured across 14 regions of Ukraine, according to the United Nations.
Since last Friday, more than 70 civilians have been killed and over 500 injured across 14 regions of Ukraine
The escalation comes amid an especially tense diplomatic backdrop. Moscow had previously announced a ceasefire for May 8–9 as part of the annual celebrations marking the Soviet Union’s victory in World War II and the military parade in Moscow. However, Kyiv rejected the proposal as “unserious” and primarily symbolic, arguing that a genuine ceasefire cannot be limited to two days of commemorative events. In response, Zelenskyy announced a unilateral ceasefire beginning on May 6, while warning that Ukraine would retaliate if Russia continued its attacks.
The strikes come at a time when Russia’s momentum on the battlefield appears to have slowed significantly. According to battlefield analyses cited by Western media outlets, Russian forces lost more territory in April than they captured, marking the first such setback since 2024.
Sources: Le Monde, Guardian