Ukraine Accuses Russia of Violating Ceasefire Amid Fresh Drone and Missile Attacks

Ukraine has accused Russia of breaking a newly proposed ceasefire just hours after it came into effect at midnight on Wednesday, intensifying tensions in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Ukrainian officials reported that Russian strikes continued overnight, leaving at least one person dead and several others injured in frontline regions.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that Russia violated the ceasefire initiated by Kyiv on May 6, adding that attacks targeted several areas, including Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia. Posting on X, Sybiha claimed the continued assaults demonstrated that Moscow was not genuinely interested in peace efforts despite announcing its own temporary ceasefire for May 8-9 during Russia’s World War Two Victory Day celebrations.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy had proposed an open-ended ceasefire beginning at midnight and said Ukraine would respond “symmetrically” if Russia respected the truce. However, Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia launched two ballistic missiles, one cruise missile, and more than 100 drones after the ceasefire deadline.

In the northern Sumy region, a Russian drone strike on a civilian vehicle killed one passenger and injured the driver, according to regional authorities. In Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, drone attacks damaged residential buildings and caused civilian injuries. Officials in Zaporizhzhia also reported strikes on industrial infrastructure, while drone attacks in Kryvyi Rih damaged local facilities.

The renewed attacks come after heavy Russian strikes on Tuesday reportedly killed at least 27 people across Ukraine. Kyiv argues that Russia’s actions undermine diplomatic efforts and reveal a lack of commitment to peace negotiations.

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues to escalate as both sides exchange accusations over ceasefire violations while civilians remain caught in the crossfire.