Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has condemned Russia's brutal 'double-tap' missile strike and warned of revenge attacks, as Moscow braces for potential disruptions to its Victory Day Parade celebrations.
Deadly 'Double-Tap' Strike in Poltava
Russian forces targeted a gas production factory in Poltava, eastern Ukraine, igniting a massive blaze. When emergency services arrived to extinguish the fire, a second missile struck, killing five people, including two rescuers, and injuring dozens more.
Zelensky responded angrily, stating: "Every day, Russia can cease fire, and this will stop the war and our responses. Peace is needed, and real steps are needed for this. Ukraine will act in a mirror-like manner." He added: "It was very mean to strike again with a missile when State Emergency Service employees were already at the scene extinguishing the fire."
Ukraine's Internal Affairs Ministry Condemns Attack
Ukraine's Ministry of Internal Affairs issued a statement: "These are deliberate strikes against those who save lives. We record every Russian war crime. The enemy must bear responsibility for the murders of Ukrainians."
Widespread Russian Attacks Across Ukraine
Ukraine's Air Force reported that Russia launched 11 Iskander-M ballistic missiles and 164 drones overnight. While air defences intercepted most threats, multiple strikes and falling debris caused damage and casualties across several regions.
- In the Dnipropetrovsk region, two people were injured and homes damaged.
- In the Kyiv region, three people were wounded, with damage to residential buildings and industrial facilities.
- In Zaporizhzhia, three people were killed and one injured.
- In the Chernihiv region, two men were wounded after a strike hit residential areas.
Russia Braces for Revenge Attacks on Victory Day
The Russian strikes are believed to be retaliation for a Ukrainian missile attack on a Moscow apartment block. Russia now fears further Ukrainian attacks aimed at disrupting the Victory Day Parade on May 9, which commemorates the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II.
According to the partisan movement Atesh, Russian command has begun withdrawing experienced personnel from frontline units in Ukraine, including elements of the 4th Motorized Rifle Brigade and the 103rd Motorized Rifle Regiment, to prepare for parade rehearsals in Moscow. This has left frontline positions held by less experienced troops, including newly mobilized and wounded soldiers.
Security has been tightened for the event amid fears of a large-scale Ukrainian assault intended to embarrass President Vladimir Putin. Reports indicate that Putin has been spending increasing time in underground bunkers due to fears of an internal coup.
