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KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russian drone and missile strikes on Tuesday resulted in at least 22 fatalities and over 80 injuries, according to Ukrainian officials.
The attacks occurred just hours before Kyiv was set to implement a ceasefire, coinciding with Russia's planned pause in hostilities later this week. Significant bombardments targeted the eastern city of Kramatorsk, the southern city of Zaporizhzhia, and the northern city of Chernihiv, leading to the deaths of 17 civilians and injuring 45 others. These strikes followed previous night attacks that killed five individuals and wounded 39.
Zelenskyy's Condemnation
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned Moscow's actions, labeling them as “utter cynicism.” He criticized the timing of the attacks, which coincided with Russia's announcement of a unilateral ceasefire set to take effect two days later, marking the anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany.“Russia could cease fire at any moment, and this would stop the war and our responses,” Zelenskyy expressed on X. “Peace is needed, and real steps are needed to achieve it. Ukraine will act in kind.”
Ceasefire Declarations
The Russian Defense Ministry announced a unilateral ceasefire in Ukraine for Friday and Saturday, stating it would retaliate if Ukraine disrupts Victory Day celebrations on May 9. In response, Zelenskyy declared that Ukraine would observe a ceasefire starting at the end of Tuesday, without specifying an end date for the truce.U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the ceasefires, expressing hope for their successful implementation. He reiterated calls for a full and lasting ceasefire to pave the way for a comprehensive peace in line with U.N. Charter and international law.
Ongoing Attacks on Infrastructure
Ukrainian officials reported that overnight, Russian forces launched 11 Iskander-M ballistic missiles and 164 strike drones against Ukraine. Air defense units managed to intercept 149 drones and one missile, but several penetrated defenses, with two ballistic missiles failing to hit their targets.Russia's sustained attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure have resulted in significant damage, particularly to natural gas production facilities in the central Poltava and northeastern Kharkiv regions. Since the beginning of the year, Naftogaz Group reported 107 attacks on its facilities.
Zelenskyy described the attack on Poltava as “especially vile,” highlighting that a second missile targeted the site while emergency responders were present. Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko noted that energy facilities, oil and gas infrastructure, and transportation networks were primary targets of Russian strikes.
Ukrainian Counterattacks
In response to the ongoing conflict, Ukraine has intensified its long-range strikes against Russian rear areas, aiming to disrupt Moscow's war economy. Reports indicate that Ukrainian forces targeted military-industrial facilities in Cheboksary, over 1,500 kilometers away, and the Kirishi oil refinery near St. Petersburg.Ukraine's Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov noted a significant increase in midrange attacks on Russian positions, with a marked rise in the use of ground robots for logistical support. The report indicated that Ukrainian forces executed over 10,000 resupply and evacuation missions in April alone.
