Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned recent Russian missile strikes across Ukraine, which occurred on the night of May 5, despite Kremlin assertions of a proposed ceasefire on May 9. Zelensky characterized these attacks as cynical, particularly in light of the timing and the stated intentions of Russia.
In his remarks via Telegram, Zelensky referenced a significant attack in Poltava, resulting in four fatalities, including two emergency responders, and 31 injuries. He also noted casualties in Kharkiv, where one person died and four were injured, as well as three injuries reported in Dnipropetrovsk and Kyiv regions. The primary targets of the Russian strikes were energy infrastructure facilities, according to Zelensky.
“It is absolute cynicism to request silence for propaganda celebrations while launching missile and drone attacks in the days leading up to it,” Zelensky stated. He emphasized that Russia could cease hostilities at any moment, which would halt the ongoing conflict and Ukraine’s responses. He reiterated the need for genuine peace, underscoring that Ukraine would respond in kind to any actions taken by Russia.
Background context reveals that on April 29, Yuri Ushakov, an aide to the Russian leader, announced that President Vladimir Putin had spoken with U.S. President Donald Trump, expressing readiness to declare a ceasefire on May 9. Zelensky responded by stating that it would be “dishonest” for Russia to kill Ukrainians while simultaneously calling for a temporary ceasefire.
On May 4, the Russian Ministry of Defense unilaterally declared a ceasefire for May 8-9, threatening massive missile strikes on central Kyiv if the planned Victory Day parade was disrupted. In a statement that evening, Zelensky indicated that he had not received any official communications regarding the proposed cessation of hostilities, as discussed in Russian social media. He announced Ukraine’s intention to implement a ceasefire starting at midnight on May 6, asserting that it was realistic to achieve a cessation of hostilities by that time.
President Zelensky has denounced recent Russian missile strikes in Ukraine, calling them cynical amid claims of a proposed ceasefire. He highlighted the casualties and emphasized that Ukraine would respond to Russia's actions accordingly.