27 Killed as Russian Strikes Hit Ukraine Ahead of Victory Day Ceasefire Tensions
At least 27 people have been killed and over 120 injured after a series of Russian strikes hit several regions across Ukraine, intensifying hostilities just before a proposed ceasefire linked to Russia’s Victory Day commemorations.
Ukrainian officials reported that the deadliest attack occurred in the Zaporizhzhia region, where 12 civilians were killed in a single strike. In Dnipro, four more deaths were recorded, while a missile strike on a gas facility in the Poltava region claimed at least five lives, including emergency responders who arrived after the initial blast.
The attacks took place shortly before a midnight ceasefire deadline announced by Kyiv, following Russia’s earlier declaration of a temporary pause in fighting ahead of its May 9 Victory Day celebrations in Moscow.
President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of undermining peace efforts, stating that Moscow had shown no genuine commitment to ending hostilities. He added that Ukraine had signaled readiness to observe a reciprocal ceasefire but would respond to any violations accordingly.
Meanwhile, Russia’s Defence Ministry claimed that Ukrainian forces carried out multiple long-range strikes into Russian territory, including an attack in the Chuvashia region, more than 600 miles from the border, which reportedly left two people dead and several others injured.
Russian authorities said they intercepted hundreds of Ukrainian drones overnight and warned of strong retaliation if any attempts were made to disrupt the upcoming Victory Day parade in Moscow.
The escalating exchange of strikes comes as Russia prepares for its annual May 9 military commemorations, an event now being held under heightened security measures and increased restrictions in several cities, including parts of Moscow.
Reports also indicate disruptions to mobile internet services and tighter information controls as authorities reinforce security ahead of the parade.
The ongoing conflict, now in its fourth year, continues to see intensified long-range attacks from both sides, with Ukraine increasingly targeting strategic sites inside Russia while facing sustained missile and drone strikes on its own territory.
#UTVAfrica#
