In the early hours of May 9, Russia conducted missile and drone strikes against Ukraine, utilizing an Iskander-M ballistic missile and 43 strike drones, despite a previously declared ceasefire. Ukrainian air defense systems successfully intercepted a significant number of the incoming drones.
The attack began late in the evening and continued into the morning, with the Iskander-M missile launched from Crimea and the drones deployed from various locations including Kursk, Orel, Primorsko-Akhtarsk, and Millerovo in Russia. The drones included models such as Shahed, Gerbera, Italmas, and imitation drones dubbed ‘Parody.’
Ukrainian forces employed a combination of aviation, anti-aircraft missile systems, electronic warfare units, and mobile fire groups to counter the assault. Preliminary reports indicated that by 8:00 AM, Ukrainian air defense had downed or suppressed 34 enemy drones across the southern, northern, and eastern regions of the country.
Additionally, the missile and nine drones struck six locations, with debris from the intercepted drones landing in two areas.
Earlier in the week, the Russian Defense Ministry had announced a ceasefire for May 8 and 9. In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged for an immediate ‘quiet’ period starting the night of May 6.
Despite the ceasefire, Russia violated the truce by attacking several Ukrainian cities, prompting a reciprocal response from Kyiv on the night of May 8, which included strikes on at least Moscow, Yaroslavl, and Rostov.
On the evening of May 8, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that a three-day ceasefire would be observed between Ukraine and Russia from May 9 to 11, along with a prisoner exchange.
Following this announcement, Zelensky confirmed the details regarding the prisoner exchange and issued a directive to exclude the Red Square in Moscow from Ukrainian targets during the upcoming parade. He also indicated that Ukraine would respond in kind to any further violations of the ceasefire by Russia.
Russia's recent missile and drone strikes against Ukraine have raised concerns, especially following a declared ceasefire. The Ukrainian defense forces managed to intercept many of the attacks, while diplomatic efforts for a truce continue amidst ongoing hostilities.