Kyiv outlines a temporary halt in fighting ahead of Russia’s World War II commemoration while cross-border attacks continue.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Monday that Ukraine would begin a temporary cessation of hostilities overnight between May 5 and 6, describing it as an opportunity to reduce active combat during a period tied to Russia’s upcoming Victory Day events. Moscow has separately indicated it plans its own pause in operations on May 8 and 9.
Hours before that proposed window, a drone strike damaged a residential high-rise in Moscow early Monday, according to reporting. Officials said the building sustained visible exterior damage, though no casualties were reported. The incident marked the third consecutive night of drone activity targeting the Russian capital.
Video of the strike and its aftermath circulated online, including footage shared on X.
In remarks posted publicly, Zelenskyy stated, “As of today, there has been no official appeal to Ukraine regarding the modality of a cessation of hostilities that is being claimed on Russian social media. We believe that human life is far more valuable than any anniversary ‘celebration’. In this regard, we are announcing a ceasefire regime starting at 00:00 on the night of May 5–6. In the time left until that moment, it is realistic to ensure that silence takes effect. We will act reciprocally starting from that moment. It is time for Russian leaders to take real steps to end their war, especially since Russia’s Defense Ministry believes it cannot hold a parade in Moscow without Ukraine’s goodwill,” he said.
Russia’s Defense Ministry has warned that any disruption to its planned Victory Day observances would trigger retaliation. In a statement cited by state media, officials said, “If the Kiev regime attempts to implement its criminal plans to disrupt the celebration of the 81st anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, the Russian Armed Forces will launch a retaliatory, massive missile strike on the center of Kiev.” The statement also urged civilians and foreign diplomatic personnel to leave the Ukrainian capital.
Russia reiterated its planned observance of a temporary halt tied to the anniversary, according to a Defense Ministry statement, while emphasizing that it expects reciprocal compliance.
Additional comments from Zelenskyy referenced security concerns surrounding the Moscow parade, stating that Russia fears “drones may buzz over Red Square,” in a separate video message.
Drone warfare has intensified across multiple regions. Russian authorities reported that 117 aerial systems were intercepted across several areas within a 24-hour period, including 60 targeting regions near Saint Petersburg, described by a regional official as a “massive” attack in coverage.
Additional footage of drone activity and responses has been widely circulated, including another video post and additional imagery from the conflict, as well as further reports.
Separate strikes on Russian oil infrastructure have also been reported. Following attacks on energy facilities, environmental concerns emerged, including accounts of pollution linked to refinery fires, according to reporting.
As both sides outline limited ceasefire periods tied to symbolic dates, continued strikes and warnings of retaliation underscore ongoing instability across the conflict zone.
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