Dozens of people are killed in Russian strikes in Ukraine hours before Kyiv’s proposed ceasefire is set to begin, according to multiple reports. The attacks occur shortly ahead of a brief truce Ukraine proposes in connection with May 9, when Kyiv plans to hold events tied to the Victory Day parade. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemns the strikes, saying Russia launches “cynical” or “vile” attacks while pursuing or preparing for a ceasefire timeframe.
The reports also say the situation comes days before Russia intends to observe a ceasefire itself. Ukraine accuses Russia of breaking or undermining the unilateral ceasefire proposal through the attacks carried out just hours beforehand. The outlets describe the ceasefire as being proposed by Kyiv, with timing closely linked to May 9 commemorations.
Overall, sources agree that the strikes and civilian deaths happen immediately before the ceasefire period begins and that senior Ukrainian officials attribute the timing to bad faith by Russia.
