Russia launched a devastating wave of drone and missile attacks across Ukraine on May 5, killing at least 27 civilians just days before Moscow self-declared unilateral ceasefire was set to take effect for Victory Day commemorations. The assault, which involved 164 drones and 11 ballistic missiles striking 14 locations across five Ukrainian regions, has drawn sharp condemnation from Kyiv and international observers who described the attacks as cynical and senseless.
Zaporizhzhia Bears the Brunt
The southeastern city of Zaporizhzhia suffered the heaviest losses when Russian glide bombs struck a car repair shop and residential buildings, killing at least 12 people and wounding 20 more. Regional Governor Ivan Fedorov confirmed that the attack marked one of the deadliest single incidents in the city this year.
They hit a car repair shop, residential buildings – ordinary civilian infrastructure, Fedorov said. This is terrorism, pure and simple.
Kramatorsk and Dnipro Also Hit
Further northeast, six people were killed and 12 others wounded in the city of Kramatorsk, the last major urban center under Ukrainian control in the embattled Donetsk region. In Dnipro, four more civilians were killed as Russian missiles struck multiple locations across the central Ukrainian city.
Energy Infrastructure Targeted
Russian strikes also targeted Ukrainian state-run gas facilities in the Poltava and Kharkiv regions, killing three employees and two rescue workers, according to Serhiy Koretskyi, CEO of Naftogaz. The attack cut gas supplies to nearly 3,500 customers.
Zelenskyy Condemns Cynical Attacks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attacks in strong terms. These are absolutely cynical, senseless terrorist strikes devoid of any military sense, Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram. Such Russian strikes on our cities and villages do not cease for a single day.
Russia had announced a unilateral ceasefire from May 8 to 9 to coincide with Victory Day commemorations. Ukraine proposed an open-ended ceasefire starting May 6 – an offer Moscow has largely ignored.
Broader Context
The strikes come amid a complex geopolitical landscape where the Iran war has drawn significant U.S. military resources away from the European theater. The May 5 attack highlights the fragility of any ceasefire arrangement with Russia. As of May 8, the situation remains tense with both sides continuing operations.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
