Ukrainian officials reported that at least 22 people were killed and over 80 others were injured in Russian drone and missile attacks carried out overnight and on Tuesday. The strikes targeted cities such as Kramatorsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Chernihiv, resulting in the deaths of 17 civilians and injuring 45 individuals. Additionally, the attacks the previous night caused five fatalities and 39 injuries.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized Moscow for its “utter cynicism” in launching the attacks despite Russia announcing a unilateral ceasefire later in the week to commemorate the anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany. Zelenskyy emphasized the need for peace and urged Russia to stop the war by halting its attacks.
The Russian Defence Ministry declared a ceasefire for Friday and Saturday but warned of retaliatory strikes if Ukraine interfered with Victory Day celebrations on May 9. In response, Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine would also observe a truce starting Tuesday, with a commitment to reciprocate Russia’s actions afterward.
During his visit to Bahrain, Zelenskyy proposed a drone defense partnership with the country and offered to share Ukraine’s air defense expertise, citing similarities between Iranian attacks on Gulf states and Russia’s aerial assaults on Ukrainian territory. The ongoing conflict has seen significant destruction of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, with repeated attacks on natural gas production facilities.
Ukraine continued its offensive by targeting Russian rear areas with long-range attacks on oil facilities. The Ukrainian Air Force reported the destruction of 289 Russian drones and launched cruise missiles at military-industrial complex facilities in Cheboksary, over 1,500 kilometers away. The attacks aimed to disrupt Moscow’s war economy and degrade its military capabilities.
Ukraine’s Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov disclosed that midrange strikes on Russia increased in April compared to previous months, focusing on enemy targets behind the front line. Ground robots conducted thousands of resupply and evacuation missions, showcasing Ukraine’s innovative tactics in the ongoing conflict.
The situation remains volatile as both sides engage in military actions, with casualties reported on both ends. The international community, including the UN Secretary-General, has called for an immediate ceasefire and a sustainable peace agreement to end the violence in Ukraine.