Kyiv: Ukraine on Wednesday accused Russia of violating a ceasefire announced by Kyiv after fresh missile and drone attacks were reported across several regions just hours after the truce began. Ukrainian officials said the continued strikes showed that Moscow was not genuinely interested in peace efforts and was instead focused on military and political messaging ahead of Russia’s Victory Day celebrations later this week.
According to Ukrainian authorities, the ceasefire announced by Kyiv came into effect at midnight on May 6. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had earlier said Ukraine was ready to pause attacks if Russia also agreed to stop military operations. However, Ukrainian leaders said Russia did not officially commit to the proposal and attacks continued through the night.
Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia launched more than 100 drones along with ballistic and cruise missiles after Tuesday evening. Air raid alerts were activated in several cities and regions including Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipro, and Sumy. Local officials said emergency teams were sent to multiple locations damaged by explosions and falling debris.
In the northeastern Sumy region, officials said a Russian drone hit a civilian vehicle early Wednesday morning. One passenger was killed while another person suffered injuries. Authorities in Zaporizhzhia also reported damage to residential buildings and local businesses following overnight strikes.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha strongly criticised Moscow after the attacks. He said Russia’s actions clearly showed that the Kremlin’s proposed ceasefire linked to the May 9 Victory Day celebrations could not be trusted. Russia had recently announced its own temporary ceasefire for May 8 and 9 to coincide with events marking the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two.
Sybiha said Ukraine believed the Russian announcement was more about protecting celebrations in Moscow than opening a serious path toward negotiations or peace.
The latest attacks followed one of the deadliest days in Ukraine in recent weeks. Ukrainian officials said at least 27 civilians were killed on Tuesday in different Russian strikes before the ceasefire began. Zaporizhzhia was among the worst affected regions, where aerial bombs and drones reportedly hit homes and commercial areas. Several people were also killed in attacks in Kramatorsk, Kharkiv, Dnipro, and Poltava regions.
Russia also accused Ukraine of carrying out attacks during the same period. Russian authorities claimed Ukrainian drones targeted Russian territory and areas of occupied Crimea overnight. Moscow said many drones were intercepted by air defence systems, while officials installed by Russia in Crimea reported civilian casualties from Ukrainian strikes.
The accusations from both sides once again highlighted the deep mistrust that continues to block ceasefire efforts more than four years after the war began. Earlier attempts at temporary truces, including during the Orthodox Easter period in April, quickly collapsed with both countries accusing each other of repeated violations.
International leaders have continued urging both sides to return to serious negotiations. Diplomatic talks involving the United States, European countries, and Middle Eastern mediators have taken place in recent months, including discussions held in Abu Dhabi earlier this year. However, major disagreements over occupied territories, security guarantees, and military conditions continue to prevent progress toward a long term settlement.
The renewed violence comes at a sensitive time for Russia, which is preparing for its annual Victory Day parade on May 9. The event remains one of the most important national celebrations in Russia and is expected to include military displays and speeches by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
For many Ukrainians, however, the latest attacks have raised fresh doubts about whether any ceasefire announcements can bring real relief to civilians living under the constant threat of war.