Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that Russia chose to end the partial ceasefire that had lasted for several days by launching more than 200 strike drones at Ukraine overnight.
The head of state wrote about this on Telegram, Ukrinform reports.
"Russia itself chose to end the partial silence that had lasted for several days. Overnight, more than 200 attack drones were launched against Ukraine. Aerial bombs were used again on the front – more than 80 of them, and over 30 air strikes were recorded. Attack drones were shot down in the Dnipro, Zhytomyr, Mykolaiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, and Chernihiv regions, as well as in Kyiv and the region," he said.
According to him, energy facilities, apartment buildings, and a kindergarten were damaged. A civilian locomotive on the railway was also struck.
"People have been reported injured as a result of these strikes. And, unfortunately, there are fatalities. My condolences to the family and loved ones," Zelensky said.
He recalled that the Ukrainian side had warned it would respond in kind to all Russian steps.
"It is Russia that must take the step toward a real, lasting ceasefire. Until that happens, sanctions against Moscow are necessary and must remain in place and be strengthened. It is important that there be no easing of pressure and that partners do not stand aside, but continue working together for security, justice, and a reliable peace," Zelensky said.
On April 29, Russian leader Vladimir Putin said during a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump that Russia was ready to declare a ceasefire for May 9.
President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine had not received any official signals from Russia regarding a ceasefire, despite public statements on social media. Nevertheless, Kyiv announced a truce starting May 6 and urged Moscow to move from rhetoric to real steps.
On May 6, Zelensky said that Russia had violated the ceasefire.
On May 7, Russia's Ministry of Defense announced an alleged ceasefire from 00:00 on May 8 to May 10.
Early on May 8, Zelensky stated that Russia had violated the truce.
