MOSCOW, Ukraine
Ukrainian officials said that despite Kyiv’s unilateral ceasefire declaration at midnight, Russia launched drone and missile attacks on Ukraine overnight. These attacks demonstrate the increasing intensity of the war and the failure of temporary ceasefire efforts.
Ukrainian officials said the Russian military launched dozens of drones overnight, while the Russian Defense Ministry claimed it intercepted 53 Ukrainian drones over Russian territory, the occupied Crimean Peninsula, and the Black Sea. Both sides have differing accounts of the attacks, reflecting the ongoing conflict on the battlefield.
In Crimea, Russian officials said a Ukrainian drone strike on Zhankoi killed five people. Ukrainian officials also reported Russian attacks in several areas, including a deadly attack on Sumy in northeastern Ukraine, where a kindergarten was attacked. A security guard was killed and two others were injured, although no children were present.
Earlier, Ukraine’s Interior Ministry said that 27 civilians were killed and around 120 injured in Russian strikes, highlighting the heavy civilian toll of the fighting. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of ignoring the ceasefire and continuing large-scale attacks. He said Moscow was rebuffing peace efforts and called for stronger international pressure.
Zelensky further stated that the Russian military continued long-range attacks using drones and glide bombs, maintaining pressure on the front lines. He emphasized Ukraine’s willingness to engage in diplomacy but warned that any violation of the ceasefire would result in retaliation.
Russia refused to fully abide by the ceasefire and accused Ukraine of carrying out drone attacks on Russian territory during the same period. It stated that its air defenses intercepted several drones in Crimea and other areas.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Tsibiha said Russia ignored a ceasefire proposal supported by international partners and accused Moscow of repeatedly declaring short, symbolic breaks that do not stop the fighting.
He called for tougher sanctions, diplomatic isolation of Russia, and increased military and humanitarian support for Ukraine, saying Russia’s continued attacks show no genuine commitment to peace.
