Attacks leave 27 dead in Ukraine as Kiev and Moscow propose separate ceasefires

Emergency services personnel work to extinguish a truck fire after a Russian drone attack in the Kyiv region of Ukraine, on May 5, 2026. (Photo/Handout/Ukrainian Emergency Service via AP)

Russian attacks have killed 27 people across cities in Ukraine, according to officials.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticised Moscow, saying strikes were taking place even as it sought a truce ahead of its 9 May military parade.

The attacks on Tuesday—hitting the cities of Zaporizhzhia, Kramatorsk, and Dnipro—have come hours before a Ukrainian-suggested ceasefire.

In Zaporizhzhia, 12 people were killed in an attack Zelenskyy described as having "absolutely no military justification".

At least 70 people were also wounded in Tuesday's strikes, which officials described as the deadliest in weeks.

Late on Tuesday, the city of Dnipro came under attack, resulting in the death of four civilians, while five others were killed in a strike on the centre of Kramatorsk.

Strikes amid ceasefire

Amid the violence, a ceasefire declared by Zelenskyy took effect at midnight, local time.

The ceasefire began two days ahead of an 8-9 May Victory Day truce announced by Russia.

Zelenskyy declared the 6 May ceasefire because "human life is far more valuable than any anniversary celebration".

He dismissed Russia's demand for a truce during its World War II Victory Day commemorations, stating: "We need silence... every single day, not just for a few hours somewhere out there for 'celebrations'".

While Moscow announced a truce for 8-9 May, the Russian Defence Ministry warned it would take "all necessary" measures to ensure security and threatened a "massive" retaliatory missile strike if celebrations were disrupted.

Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s presidential office, said Tuesday that Kiev’s ceasefire reflects a "genuine desire for peace".

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke by phone with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at Russia's request to discuss the relationship and the war.

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Source: TRT