Russian troops are intensifying their assaults on the heavily fortified city of Kostiantynivka in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region, according to Ukraine's top army official. The city is part of a so-called fortress belt in the country's east, which Ukrainian forces are defending fiercely.
Fighting on the Outskirts
Ukraine's army chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi, reported on Telegram that Ukrainian forces are repelling persistent Russian attempts to gain a foothold on the outskirts of Kostiantynivka using infiltration tactics. Counter-sabotage operations are ongoing within the city. The DeepState battlefield mapping project indicates that Russian troops now control an area approximately one kilometre (0.6 mile) from the city's southern outskirts. Some parts of Kostiantynivka are marked as a grey zone, where neither side has full control.
Odesa Struck by Drones
Meanwhile, Russian drones struck the port city of Odesa overnight, injuring at least 20 people and damaging residential buildings and civilian infrastructure, including a kindergarten. The attack adds to the growing toll on Ukrainian cities far from the front lines.
Ceasefire Proposal Dismissed
Russia announced it would implement a temporary ceasefire around Victory Day on 9 May, regardless of Ukraine's response. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that the truce “will be implemented” and that “a response is not, in fact, required.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed the proposal as insufficient, advocating for a longer-term ceasefire rather than “a few hours of security for a parade in Moscow.”
Unusual Activity at Belarus Border
President Zelensky also reported “unusual activity” along the Ukraine-Belarus border, specifically on the Belarusian side. He stated that Ukraine is closely monitoring the situation and keeping it under control. “If necessary, we will react. Ukraine is ready to defend its people and its sovereignty,” he said. The nature of the activity was not disclosed.
Ukrainian Strikes Inside Russia
Ukrainian drones continue to strike oil facilities deep inside Russia, aiming to reduce Moscow's oil exports, a key source of funding for the war. However, rising global oil prices due to the Iran war and eased U.S. sanctions have helped replenish Kremlin coffers, potentially blunting the economic impact. The attacks have brought the war home to ordinary Russians, with visible smoke plumes and environmental damage.
Russian Capture of Myropillia
Russia's defence ministry claimed on Saturday that its troops captured the village of Myropillia in Ukraine's Sumy region. The ministry also reported shooting down 505 drones overnight. Reuters could not independently verify these claims.
Fibre-Optic Drones in Hezbollah's Arsenal
Hezbollah has adopted fibre-optic drones similar to those used in Ukraine, posing a new challenge to Israeli air defences. These drones are controlled via cables the width of dental floss, making them immune to electronic jamming. Their use in Ukraine has reshaped the conflict, and now Hezbollah is deploying them against northern Israel.
Diplomatic Moves
President Zelensky discussed Ukraine's EU accession with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who expressed support for Ukraine's membership and readiness to share experience. Zelensky emphasised the need for strong bilateral relations.
In a broader geopolitical context, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has criticised U.S. President Donald Trump's foreign policy, which includes an announced withdrawal of U.S. troops. This has strained NATO alliances, with Western powers grappling with how to counter Russian aggression while managing internal frictions.
