May 5, 2026
Russia launches strikes on Ukraine as both sides announce separate ceasefires
Russian drone and missile strikes targeting Ukraine's power grid killed at least five people and wounded 39 others on the night of May 4-5, according to Ukrainian authorities. The attacks came less than a day before Kyiv announced it would begin a ceasefire at the end of Tuesday, and three days before Moscow declared a unilateral truce for May 9-10 to mark Victory Day, the Russian commemoration of the Soviet defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of "utter cynicism" for conducting the strikes while simultaneously seeking a truce to hold its Victory Day parade in Moscow. Zelenskyy stated that Russia could end the war at any moment by ceasing fire, and said Ukraine would "respond in kind" to Russian actions from the moment its own truce began. The Russian Defense Ministry warned it would strike back if Ukraine attempted to disrupt the Victory Day festivities.
Ukrainian Position
Zelenskyy framed Russia's ceasefire proposal as propaganda cover for continued military operations. He argued that Russia's ability to announce a truce while launching deadly attacks demonstrates bad faith, and that genuine peace requires real steps rather than symbolic gestures timed to military celebrations. Ukraine's response is to match Russia's actions going forward, signaling it will not unilaterally de-escalate without reciprocal commitment.
Russian Position
Russia's Defense Ministry declared a unilateral ceasefire for May 9-10 to allow Victory Day commemorations to proceed without disruption. Moscow framed the truce as a gesture of goodwill while reserving the right to respond militarily if Ukraine attempts to interfere with the celebrations. The ceasefire announcement suggests Russia views the holiday as a priority requiring a pause in hostilities.
- Russia's Victory Day, celebrated on May 9, commemorates the Soviet Union's 1945 defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II.
- Zelenskyy previously starred as a fictional Ukrainian president on the television series "Servant of the People" before his 2019 election.
- Ukraine has struck Russian oil refineries over 1,500 kilometers away using long-range drones, prompting Moscow to scale down this year's Victory Day military parade.
Russia-Ukraine Ceasefire Violations
Russian forces continue striking Ukrainian regions like Kherson and Mykolaiv, wounding civilians including teenagers despite a US-brokered three-day truce from May 9 to 11 that both sides confirmed.
