Moscow: Russia launched a series of heavy airstrikes on eastern Ukraine, resulting in at least 27 deaths. Ukrainian leaders criticized the attacks as “utterly cruel and hypocritical” given the impending unilateral ceasefires announced by both nations.
According to Thai News Agency, Russian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy labeled the strikes as inhumane, with drone and missile attacks causing significant casualties in several regions, including Kramatorsk, Zaporissia, Chernihiv, and Dnipro. In Zaporissia alone, 12 individuals lost their lives, and 20 were injured due to guided bombs and drone strikes on residential areas. Kramatorsk witnessed six fatalities when a bomb hit its city center. Another attack in Poltava claimed five lives, including energy and rescue workers attending to a gas plant fire.
Ukraine also retaliated with drone strikes in the annexed Crimea region, resulting in the deaths of five civilians in Sangoy. Additionally, two people died in a Ukrainian drone attack in Russia’s Chuvashea region. The Russian Ministry of Defense reported intercepting 93 Ukrainian drones over Crimea and other Russian territories. It was also noted that Ukraine targeted military installations and oil refineries deep within Russian borders using F-5 Flamingo cruise missiles.
These hostilities unfolded just before the implementation of unilateral ceasefires by both countries. Russia’s ceasefire is set for May 8-9 to commemorate Victory Day, with warnings of retaliation if Ukraine disrupts the celebrations. Ukraine’s ceasefire is scheduled to commence after midnight on May 6, with no specified end date, but with assurances of responding to Russian provocations.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed support for the ceasefire initiatives and called for a lasting peace in line with international law. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy urged Russia to cease its attacks and pursue sincere diplomatic resolutions.