Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has condemned a recent wave of missile strikes by Russia, asserting that Ukraine will respond in kind. He emphasized that the primary targets of these attacks were the country’s energy infrastructure.
Zelensky characterized Russia’s actions as exhibiting “absolute cynicism,” pointing out the contradiction in Moscow’s calls for silence to facilitate propaganda events while simultaneously launching drone and missile strikes. He stated that any cessation of hostilities is contingent solely upon Russia’s decision.
“Every day, Russia can cease fire, and this would stop the war and our responses. Peace is needed, and real steps are required. Ukraine will act in kind,” Zelensky remarked.
On the eve of these strikes, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced a ceasefire from May 8 to May 9. They warned that any violation by Kyiv would result in a massive retaliatory strike on the Ukrainian capital.
Despite these claims, Zelensky noted that Ukraine had not received any official communication from Russia regarding the terms of a ceasefire, despite public assertions from the Russian side. He announced that Ukraine would initiate a ceasefire in combat operations in light of Moscow’s proposal for a truce on “Victory Day,” set to begin on the night of May 6.
On May 5, Russia launched a new aerial assault on Ukraine, deploying drones and ballistic missiles. According to the Ukrainian Air Force, the attackers fired 11 “Iskander-M” missiles and 164 drones of various types. Reports indicated strikes and debris falls in several regions.
The energy infrastructure in the Poltava region, as well as facilities of “Ukrzaliznytsia” in multiple areas, were targeted. During the aftermath of the attacks, Russian forces reportedly struck again at a location where rescue workers were operating.
This resulted in casualties, including the deaths of two State Emergency Service employees, with dozens more reported injured. In the Kharkiv region, one individual was killed and several others wounded due to the shelling.
Critical infrastructure in Dnipropetrovsk was also hit, leaving three people injured. In Pavlohrad, damage to power lines left thousands of families without electricity. Additional strikes were recorded in Zaporizhzhia and Kyiv regions, leading to further injuries.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has condemned recent Russian missile strikes targeting energy infrastructure, asserting that Ukraine will respond similarly. Despite claims of a ceasefire from Russia, Zelensky stated that Ukraine has not received any formal communication regarding its terms.