On Tuesday, a series of Russian drone and missile strikes resulted in at least 22 fatalities and over 80 injuries throughout Ukraine. This escalation occurred just hours before a planned ceasefire by Kiev and days ahead of a ceasefire announced by Russia.
The attacks targeted Ukrainian cities, including Kramatorsk, Zaporizhia, and Chernihiv, leading to the deaths of 17 civilians and injuring 45 others. The previous night’s bombardment caused five deaths and 39 injuries, as reported by the Associated Press.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expressed outrage on X, describing the situation as “absolute cynicism,” and noted the irony in demanding silence for a propaganda event while conducting ongoing attacks.
Zelenskiy further stated that Russia has the ability to end the conflict whenever it chooses, emphasizing, “Russia can have a ceasefire every day, and then the war and our response will stop. We need peace, and for that we need real steps. Ukraine will do the same.”
Following this, Russia’s Defense Ministry indicated plans for a unilateral ceasefire during the upcoming Victory Day commemorations on Friday and Saturday, although they warned of potential counteraction if Ukraine interfered with those events.
The United Nations welcomed the ceasefire proposal, with Secretary-General António Guterres advocating for a total, immediate, and unconditional ceasefire in accordance with international law and previous UN resolutions. He called for a path to a just, comprehensive, and sustainable peace.
Victory Day, observed annually on May 9 in Russia, celebrates the Allied victory over Nazi Germany.
In the past, Russia has proposed brief holiday truces, most recently around Orthodox Easter, but these agreements have commonly faltered due to pervasive distrust between both nations. Reports from the Ukrainian military indicated over 2,200 violations during past ceasefire attempts, including shelling and drone activity, while Russia’s Ministry of Defense accused Ukraine of around 2,000 breaches involving attacks in border territories that resulted in civilian injuries.
