Ukraine defied a Kremlin-declared ceasefire for Victory Day by launching a wave of drone strikes deep into Russian territory, setting a key oil refinery ablaze. The attack targeted the Yaroslavl plant, nearly 500 miles from the border, as hundreds of Ukrainian 'kamikaze' drones struck over a dozen regions overnight into Friday.
President Volodymyr Zelensky called Moscow's truce a 'cynical theatrical performance', stating the refinery was vital for funding Russia's war. 'Russia must choose genuine peace, and only strong pressure will ensure that,' he said in a statement.
Russia retaliated with over 140 attacks and 850 drone strikes, according to Ukrainian officials. Moscow claimed to have intercepted 264 Ukrainian drones, though falling debris caused damage near airports and military facilities.
The assault caused explosions near a military site in Rostov-on-Don and disrupted flights at Vnukovo and Domodedovo airports. Residents reported loud blasts throughout the night.
The Kremlin had announced a temporary ceasefire from May 8-10 for Victory Day celebrations, but President Vladimir Putin remains cautious, reportedly working from underground bunkers amid fears of a palace coup. Russia's annual parade has been scaled down due to a shortage of military hardware.
