Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has proposed an open-ended ceasefire starting on Wednesday, 6 May, following a request from Russia for a two-day truce. Zelensky stated that Ukraine will observe the truce from 12am on Wednesday and will respond in kind to Russia's actions from that moment onward. He had earlier dismissed Moscow's request as “not serious” and refused to provide security for a parade in Moscow.
Russia's Victory Day Ceasefire Request
Russian President Vladimir Putin had sought a ceasefire covering 8-9 May while Moscow celebrates Victory Day, the 81st anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II, with a grand parade. Moscow has also threatened to strike back at Kyiv if the Victory Day festivities are disrupted. Russia had previously declared a brief ceasefire for Orthodox Easter, but each side accused the other of violating it.
Ukraine's Major Attack on Russian Military Site
This development comes as Ukraine launched a major missile and drone attack on several regions in Russia, targeting a critical military-industrial site in the western part of the country. A fire was reported at JSC VNIIR-Progress, a state institute that produces components for high-precision weapons used in attacks on Ukraine by Russian forces. The attack used a Ukrainian-made FP-5 Flamingo missile, according to Russian Telegram channels.
Moscow Blocks Mobile Internet to Prevent Drone Attacks
Russian authorities have started blocking internet and messaging services on cellphones in Moscow as part of preparations for a secure Victory Day parade. BBC editor Steve Rosenberg reported receiving a text from his Moscow mobile operator stating that temporary restrictions on mobile internet and text messaging would be in place from 5-9 May in Moscow and the Moscow region. This measure is similar to last year's preparations, when Putin declared a unilateral 72-hour ceasefire and blocked cellphone internet to avert Ukrainian drone attacks.
Finnish President: Ukraine a Strategic Asset for NATO
Finland's President Alexander Stubb called Ukraine a strategic asset for Europe and NATO, citing its credible military and battlefield experience. Speaking alongside Czech President Petr Pavel in Prague, Stubb urged Europe to shift from “what it can do for Ukraine” to “what Ukraine can do for Europe.” He emphasized that no other army in Europe or the US is capable of modern warfare in the way Ukraine is.
Overnight Drone Attack on Kyiv Injures Two
At least two people were injured in a Russian drone attack on Brovary, a city northeast of Kyiv. The drone hit residential apartments, damaging windows, the facade of a multi-storey building, and a vehicle. Regional officials reported that a 34-year-old woman suffered a hand injury from glass fragments, and a 37-year-old man sustained a cut wound to his heel. Medics provided assistance at the scene.
UN Nuclear Watchdog Reports Drone Damage at Zaporizhzhia
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) stated that a drone damaged meteorological monitoring equipment at the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in southeastern Ukraine. IAEA experts observed damage to the lab's equipment, which is no longer operational. Director General Rafael Grossi appealed for maximum military restraint near all nuclear facilities to avoid safety risks.
Russian Missile Strike Kills Seven in Kharkiv Region
A Russian missile attack on the town of Merefa in Ukraine's northeastern Kharkiv region killed seven people and wounded more than 30, including a 2-year-old boy. Regional Governor Oleh Syniehubov reported that at least 10 houses, an administrative building, four shops, a car repair workshop, and a food establishment were damaged. Two men and three women were killed on the spot, and two died while being treated in hospital.
